Fish Noodle Soup Recipe

Fish noodle soup, a beloved dish across many Southeast Asian countries, is a comforting and flavorful meal that brings together the delicate flavors of fish with the satisfying texture of noodles. This soup is a perfect balance of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and spices that dance together in a broth full of depth and richness. Whether you’re familiar with the flavors or it’s your first time exploring this dish, it’s one that will quickly find a place in your heart.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to play around with different types of fish, noodles, and garnishes to suit your personal preferences. It’s a dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is especially loved for its light yet nourishing qualities.

The heart of fish noodle soup lies in its broth. A well-crafted fish broth will elevate the dish from simple to extraordinary, capturing the essence of the fish without overpowering the palate. The key to making a great fish noodle soup is in balancing the flavors of the fish, spices, and aromatics. Let’s dive into the recipe.

Ingredients Needed

Fresh Fish: Choose a firm white fish like tilapia, snapper, or bass. These fish have a mild flavor that complements the soup base without overpowering it.
Fish Stock or Broth: The base of the soup. You can use a ready-made fish stock or make your own using fish bones and water, or opt for vegetable stock for a lighter version.
Rice Noodles: Soft, thin rice noodles are commonly used. They soak up the broth well and provide a pleasant texture when cooked.
Lemongrass: Adds a bright citrusy aroma that infuses the soup, giving it a refreshing depth of flavor.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty, spicy kick to the soup and balances the richness of the fish.
Garlic: Aromatic and savory, garlic is a must for building the flavor profile.
Shallots: Sweet and slightly pungent, shallots bring an earthy undertone to the soup.
Chili Peppers: For heat. Adjust based on how spicy you like your dish.
Fish Sauce: The quintessential Southeast Asian seasoning, fish sauce adds umami and saltiness to the broth.
Lime Juice: To brighten the soup and add a touch of acidity.
Fresh Herbs: Basil, cilantro, and mint are often used as garnishes. These herbs add freshness and aromatic notes to the final dish.
Bean Sprouts: For crunch and texture, and also a traditional topping.
Green Onions: A sprinkle of green onions adds a crisp, mild onion flavor.
Optional Garnishes: Fried garlic, crispy shallots, or thinly sliced chili peppers for extra flavor and crunch.

Cooking Instructions

Making fish noodle soup is an easy and enjoyable process. Follow these steps to make your own:

Prepare The Fish Broth
- If you’re making your own fish broth, start by simmering fish bones in water with a few slices of ginger, a stalk of lemongrass, and a couple of garlic cloves. Let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface. Strain the broth and set it aside.
- Alternatively, you can use store-bought fish stock or broth for convenience.
Cook The Noodles
- Boil a pot of water and cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Usually, they only need about 3-4 minutes in boiling water. Drain and set aside.
Infuse The Broth
- In a separate pot, heat a bit of oil and sauté garlic, shallots, and ginger until fragrant. Add the lemongrass and continue to sauté for another minute.
- Pour in your fish stock or homemade fish broth. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes to allow the aromatics to infuse the liquid.
- Add fish sauce, lime juice, and chili to taste. Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or more fish sauce if needed.
Add The Fish
- Add the fresh fish to the simmering broth. Depending on the thickness of the fish, it should only need 5-8 minutes to cook through. If using delicate fish fillets, ensure you don’t overcook them.
Assemble The Soup
- Place the cooked noodles in individual serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and fish over the noodles.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and green onions. If desired, add additional chili, crispy shallots, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately, and enjoy the warm, comforting, and aromatic bowl of fish noodle soup!

Ingredient Insights

Fish: The type of fish you use in your noodle soup is crucial. Firm white fish like tilapia or snapper holds up well in broth and doesn’t break apart easily. Fish like cod or trout work too but may have a stronger flavor.
Fish Sauce: This condiment is an essential ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes. It adds deep umami and saltiness, making the broth more flavorful and savory. If you’re sensitive to its potent aroma, you can use less or substitute with soy sauce, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Lemongrass & Ginger: These two ingredients are a powerhouse when it comes to creating aromatic and refreshing broths. Lemongrass adds a floral, citrusy kick while ginger contributes heat and spice.
Rice Noodles: They’re a staple in many Asian dishes, absorbing the flavors of the broth beautifully. Unlike wheat-based noodles, they offer a light, chewy texture that contrasts well with the rich soup.

Expert Tips

Make-Ahead: The fish stock can be made ahead and refrigerated for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage. This will save you time when you’re preparing the soup.
Balance the Flavors: A great fish noodle soup is all about the balance of flavors. If you find the soup too salty, add more lime juice or a touch of sugar to balance it out. If it’s too sour, a little more fish sauce can help.
Don’t Overcook the Fish: Fish can become dry and rubbery if overcooked. Keep an eye on the cooking time, and don’t be afraid to remove the fish from the broth as soon as it’s cooked through.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are key to adding a burst of flavor right before serving. Don’t skip them-they truly elevate the dish.
Serving with Extra Garnishes: Fried garlic or shallots, a drizzle of sesame oil, or even a dash of chili oil can take your fish noodle soup to the next level of deliciousness.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Fish Noodle Soup: If you love heat, add extra chili peppers to the broth. You can also top the soup with chili oil or Sriracha for an extra fiery kick.
Vegan Fish Noodle Soup: Substitute fish with tofu or tempeh, and opt for vegetable broth. You can even add mushrooms for an earthy flavor and texture.
Curry Fish Noodle Soup: To give the soup a twist, add a tablespoon of curry paste or powder. This will add a whole new depth of flavor, combining the delicate fish broth with the boldness of curry spices.
Herbal Fish Noodle Soup: Some variations of this soup use more herbs like Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves, or even pandan leaves for a more aromatic broth. These ingredients add complexity and a fragrant, fresh dimension to the soup.

Final Words

Fish noodle soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s simple, yet full of layers of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying a warm bowl on a chilly day or serving it to guests at a dinner party, this dish never fails to impress. With its variety of flavors and textures, it’s easy to adapt to your preferences while still staying true to its roots. From the light, aromatic broth to the tender fish and chewy noodles, every spoonful brings something unique and satisfying.

Fish Noodle Soup Recipe