There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of rich, spicy Cajun fish soup brimming with tender seafood, the “holy trinity” of vegetables, and bold Creole flavors. This Louisiana-inspired dish combines fresh fish, shrimp, and aromatic spices in a tomato-based broth that’s both hearty and refreshing. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you crave a taste of the bayou!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The origins of Cajun fish soup
✅ Key ingredients & substitutions
✅ Step-by-step cooking instructions
✅ Tips for the perfect spice level
✅ Serving suggestions & pairings
✅ Storage & reheating tips
✅ Nutritional benefits
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🔥 Bold, Complex Flavors – A harmony of spicy, smoky, and savory notes
🐟 Packed with Protein – Loaded with fish and seafood
🥣 One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup, big flavor
🌶 Customizable Heat – Adjust spice to your preference
🍚 Meal-Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day
Authentic Cajun Fish Soup Ingredients
The Base:
- 1 lb white fish (catfish, cod, or snapper), cut into chunks
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 4 cups fish or chicken stock
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
The Holy Trinity (Cajun Mirepoix):
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Aromatics & Seasonings:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ lb crabmeat or crawfish
- 1 cup okra, sliced (for authentic gumbo texture)
- 1 lemon, juiced (for brightness)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Sauté the Holy Trinity
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened (~5 mins).
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (~30 secs).
2. Build the Flavor Base
- Add tomato paste, stirring to coat vegetables (~1 min).
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and stock.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat. Cook uncovered 15 mins.
3. Add the Seafood
- Gently place fish chunks into the broth. Simmer 5 mins.
- Add shrimp (and crab/crawfish if using). Cook 3-4 mins until opaque.
4. Final Adjustments
- Remove bay leaves.
- Stir in lemon juice and okra (if using).
- Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Pro Tips for Authentic Flavor
🔹 Use homemade stock for deeper flavor
🔹 Don’t overcook seafood – add it last
🔹 Toast spices with veggies to intensify aroma
🔹 Serve with crusty bread to soak up broth
Serving Suggestions
🍞 With Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping
🍚 Over Rice – Makes it heartier
🌿 Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or green onions
- Hot sauce on the side
- Lemon wedges
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: 3 days in airtight container
- Freezer: 2 months (without seafood)
- Reheat: Gently on stove (don’t boil)
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 12g
- Healthy Fats: 8g
Variations
🌱 Vegetarian: Use mushrooms & vegetable stock
🍤 Spicy: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce
🍅 Creamy: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream
Final Thoughts
This Cajun fish soup brings the vibrant flavors of Louisiana to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving comfort food or hosting a dinner party, this dish delivers big flavor in every spoonful.