Ukha (Russian Fish Soup)

Name: Ukha (Russian Fish Soup)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Russia
Ingredients: 2 lb whole fish (such as pike or salmon), cleaned; 8 cups water; 2 potatoes, cubed; 1 carrot, sliced; 1 onion, quartered; 1 bay leaf; 5 black peppercorns; Salt; Chopped fresh dill and parsley, for garnish

6 servings20 min prep40 min cookEasy Russia

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Ukha (Russian Fish Soup)

Story updated September 17, 2026

Ukha, a clear fish soup, is one of Russia's oldest dishes, historically prepared by fishermen along the country's many rivers using whatever fish was caught fresh. Traditionally clarified and kept simple, it was long considered more refined than heartier meat soups like shchi.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

2 lb whole fish (such as pike or salmon), cleaned
8 cups water
2 potatoes, cubed
1 carrot, sliced
1 onion, quartered
1 bay leaf
5 black peppercorns
Salt
Chopped fresh dill and parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1Simmer the fish heads and trimmings with onion, bay leaf, and peppercorns in water for 20 minutes to make a broth, then strain.
2Return the broth to the pot, add the potatoes and carrot, and simmer 10 minutes.
3Add the fish fillets or steaks and simmer gently 10-12 minutes until just cooked through.
4Season with salt to taste.
5Ladle into bowls, being careful to remove any bones, and garnish with dill and parsley.

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