Description
Swordfish is a meaty, flavorful fish that holds up well to grilling or pan-searing. This quick and easy recipe enhances its natural flavors with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Swordfish:
- 2 swordfish steaks (about 6–8 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)
- ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
- ½ lemon (for grilling or squeezing after cooking)
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Swordfish
- Pat swordfish dry with paper towels.
- Rub both sides with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
2. Grill or Pan-Sear the Swordfish
Grilling Method:
- Heat grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C) and oil the grates.
- Grill swordfish for 3-4 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (55°C) for a perfect, juicy texture.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the fish before removing it from the grill.
Pan-Searing Method:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tbsp olive oil, then cook swordfish for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and firm.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and parsley.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over the cooked swordfish.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
Tips & Variations
🔥 Spicy Swordfish: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
🍋 Citrus Boost: Use a mix of lemon and orange zest for a bright flavor.
🌿 Herb Variation: Swap parsley for basil, chives, or thyme.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Serve with Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 swordfish steak + sauce
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Fat: ~20g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~2g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~40g
- Cholesterol: ~100mg
Keywords: Swordfish recipe, grilled swordfish, pan-seared swordfish, healthy fish recipe, easy seafood dish