INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• One 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 1 lemongrass stalk
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2½ cups coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 pound boneless, skinless cod, cut into 5 pieces
• 3 baby bok choy, quartered
• 5 shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the canola oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, lemongrass, and garlic, then cook for 5 minutes. Add the vegetable broth and lime zest. Bring to a slight boil, reduce the heat to medium, and allow the broth to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the lemongrass. Add the coconut milk and fish sauce and stir well.
2. Season the cod with salt and pepper. Add the cod to the pot and bring to a simmer. The cod does not need to be fully submerged. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 140 ° F. Remove the cod and place on a serving plate.
3. Add the bok choy and mushrooms to the broth and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the vegetables to the plate with the cod. Turn off the heat and stir in the lime juice. Ladle the broth over the cod.

Here are a few variations you can try for this recipe:

1. Spicy Thai Version:
   • Add 1-2 teaspoons of red curry paste to the broth for a spicy kick.
   • Replace the regular vegetable broth with Thai vegetable broth for a more authentic Thai flavor.
   • Garnish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
2. Miso-infused Twist:
   • Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of white or red miso paste to the broth for a rich umami flavor.
   • Replace the fish sauce with soy sauce to enhance the miso flavor.
   • Add a handful of cooked udon noodles to make it a heartier soup.
3. Coconut Curry Delight:
   • Make a simple curry sauce by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of curry powder with a bit of coconut milk before adding to the broth.
   • Add diced potatoes, bell peppers, and a few cherry tomatoes for more texture and a burst of color.
   • Serve over steamed jasmine rice instead of the fish.
4. Herb-infused Medley:
   • Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint. Add a handful to the broth for a fragrant twist.
   • Try using lime basil for a unique citrusy flavor.
   • Add diced carrots and snow peas for added crunch and color.
5. Seafood Extravaganza:
   • Expand the seafood variety by adding shrimp, scallops, or mussels to the broth along with the cod.
   • Swap out the vegetable broth for seafood broth for a more seafood-forward taste.
   • Consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Mediterranean Influence:
   • Replace the coconut milk with a combination of equal parts Greek yogurt and chicken broth for a Mediterranean-style broth.
   • Add Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and a pinch of dried red pepper flakes for a flavorful twist.
   • Include diced artichoke hearts and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair.
7. Asian Fusion Twist:
   • Instead of cod, use thinly sliced chicken breast or tofu as the protein.
   • Replace the fish sauce with soy sauce and add a splash of rice vinegar for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
   • Include sliced shiitake mushrooms, baby corn, and snap peas for a more diverse texture.