Cambodian Salmon Lime Soup is a light, fresh, and comforting dish with a clear broth, tender salmon, and a bright sour taste from fresh lime. This soup is commonly enjoyed in Cambodian homes, especially on warm days when heavy meals feel too much.
I often make this soup when I want something quick, healthy, and comforting. The fresh lime aroma always reminds me of home-style cooking—simple ingredients, but big flavor
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Light and healthy
- Fresh lime flavor
- Easy to make at home
- Perfect with rice
- Great for lunch or dinner
My Personal Experience With This Recipe
The first time I made Cambodian Salmon Lime Soup, I was looking for a lighter alternative to fried or spicy dishes. I used fresh salmon and lots of lime, just like how soup is often prepared in Cambodian households.
What I love most about this recipe is how fresh and clean it tastes. The salmon cooks quickly, and the lime juice brings everything together without overpowering the fish. I’ve made this soup many times since, especially when I feel tired or want something easy but nourishing.
Sometimes I add extra lime when serving—it gives the soup a bright, refreshing flavor that never gets boring. This recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want comfort without heaviness.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Always add lime juice after cooking to keep it fresh
- Do not overcook the salmon or it will break apart
- Use fresh lime instead of bottled juice for best taste
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with jasmine rice
- Add fresh chili if you like heat
- Enjoy as a light meal or comforting soup
Final Thoughts
Cambodian Salmon Lime Soup is proof that simple ingredients can create amazing flavor. Every time I make it, I appreciate how easy and refreshing it is. If you enjoy light, sour soups with fresh herbs, this recipe is definitely worth trying.
Cooking Equipment You’ll Need
To make this soup easily at home, here are the tools I use most often—simple and affordable:
- Large Soup Pot / Stock Pot – A good 6- to 8-quart stock pot makes simmering the broth easy.
- Immersion Blender (Optional) – If you want a smoother broth or to blend part of the soup, a handheld immersion blender is super handy and easy to clean.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy board makes prepping garlic, ginger, fish, and tomatoes safer and faster.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – A sharp knife speeds up chopping and keeps ingredients neat.
- Soup Ladleo – Makes serving hot soup into bowls safe and spill-free.
- Measuring Spoons & Citrus Juicer – Helpful for measuring fish sauce and juicing fresh lime.
Next recipe: Stir fry Top Ramen Noodles
Cambodian Salmon Lime Soup
2
servings30
minutes30
minutes458
kcal1
hourCambodian Salmon Lime Soup is a light, healthy, and comforting dish made with a clear broth, tender salmon, and a refreshing sour lime flavor that’s perfect for warm days. It’s quick and easy to make at home, pairs wonderfully with rice, and works well for both lunch and dinner. I love cooking this soup when I want something simple yet full of flavor, as the fresh lime aroma always brings back memories of comforting home-style meals.
Ingredients
Half of small Salmon clean and cut to 4 parts leave the skin on
2 2 stalk of lemongrass cut in half and bruise with the back of the knife
4 4 kaffir limes leaves torn
3 3 sliced of galangal
4 cloves 4 garlic smash flat with the back of the knife
2 tablespoon 2 raw rice (uncooked rice)
2 2 to 3 tablespoon of fish sauce or salt if you use salt do put less amount
1 tablespoon 1 chicken flavor soup mix
Water for the soup according to how much fish you use
- Herbs for garnish
Thai basil
Lime wedge
Saw tooth coriander
Green onion
Cilantro
- Lime juice with fish sauce
3 tablespoon 3 lime juice (more or less up to you)
2 tablespoon 2 fish sauce (more or less up to you)
2 2 Thai Chilies minced
Directions
- In a soup pot put enough water to cook the fish some people like more broth
- Turn the heat to high in the soup pot put water, rice, galangal, kaffir lime leaves cook until the rice is soft not raw inside
- Now add the salmon and cook until the salmon no longer pink (do not overcook the salmon)
- Add fish sauce or salt, chicken flavor mix and adjust the flavor to your taste.
- When ready to serve (make sure you serve it hot) put the soup into the bowl and garnish with all the garnish herbs, squeeze lime juice in the soup, serve with rice and fish sauce chilies lime juice
Equipment
Recipe Video
Notes
- Serve with rice.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 2
- Calories: 458kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 108mg
- Sodium: 1881mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 48g
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ
What does Cambodian Salmon Lime Soup taste like?
Cambodian Salmon Lime Soup has a light, clean broth with a fresh sour taste from lime juice. The salmon adds richness, while herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves give it a fragrant aroma.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon works well. Make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to keep the soup clear and flavorful
When should I add lime juice to the soup?
Always add lime juice after turning off the heat. This keeps the flavor fresh and prevents the soup from becoming bitter.
Can I substitute salmon with another fish?
Yes, you can use other firm fish such as snapper, tilapia, or cod. Choose fish that holds its shape while cooking.
Is Cambodian Salmon Lime Soup healthy?
Yes, this soup is low in calories and rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids from salmon. It is light, nourishing, and easy to digest
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
You can prepare the broth ahead of time, but it’s best to add the salmon and lime juice just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and add fresh lime juice before serving.
Is this soup spicy?
No, the soup is not spicy by default. You can add fresh chili or chili flakes if you prefer heat.
What should I serve with Cambodian Salmon Lime Soup?
This soup pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
Is this soup suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is a beginner-friendly recipe with simple ingredients and easy cooking steps.
