10 Delicious Swordfish Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

Swordfish was one of the first seafoods I ever grilled on my own—and I still remember that perfect char on the outside and how tender it was inside. There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking a meaty fish that holds up to bold flavors, open flames, and creative sauces. If you’ve ever wondered what makes swordfish recipes so popular in American kitchens, this guide is for you.

From weeknight meals to summer barbecues, swordfish recipes bring versatility, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table. Let’s dive into how you can turn this firm, steak-like fish into a showstopping dish, no matter your skill level.

What Makes Swordfish a Standout Seafood Choice?

Swordfish is often called the “steak of the sea”—and for good reason. Its dense, meaty texture holds well on the grill, in the oven, or a hot skillet. Unlike flakier fish like cod or tilapia, swordfish is easy to handle and even easier to season.

Here’s why many home cooks love swordfish:

• Firm texture that’s ideal for grilling and searing
• Mild flavor that pairs well with bold marinades and sauces
• Rich in protein and low in fat compared to red meat

This combination of taste and texture makes it a go-to option for those seeking a heart-healthy yet satisfying alternative to beef.

Nutritional Benefits of Eating Swordfish

Swordfish isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutritional perks.

Swordfish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium, and supports cardiovascular health and immune function. While it’s generally safe to eat, moderation is key due to its mercury content. Enjoy swordfish once a week to reap the benefits without overdoing it.

How to Choose Fresh Swordfish at the Market

To cook the best swordfish recipes, start with a quality cut. Whether shopping at your local market or seafood counter, here’s what to look for:

• Color: Fresh swordfish steaks should be ivory to light pink.
• Texture: Look for firm, moist flesh without a fishy smell.
• Skin on or off: Skin-on steaks retain moisture better on the grill.

Pro tip: Ask your fishmonger for steaks cut about 1 to 1½ inches thick. They cook more evenly and hold up better to marinades.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Swordfish Recipes

Here are pantry staples that appear in many swordfish recipes:

Having these basics on hand makes it easy to whip up marinades or sauces that elevate the flavor of swordfish.

Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Garlic Lemon Marinade

This is the summer classic. The lemon and garlic marinade complements the charred, smoky flavor of the grill.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
2. Coat swordfish steaks and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill steaks 4–5 minutes per side or until opaque and grill-marked.

Serve with grilled vegetables or couscous for a complete meal.

Pan-Seared Swordfish with Herbed Butter Sauce

Don’t have a grill? A cast-iron skillet does wonders for swordfish. This herbed butter sauce adds richness without overpowering the fish.

Quick Steps:

• Season steaks with salt and pepper
• Sear in a heavy-duty skillet (like this cast-iron skillet)
• Finish with a simple butter sauce with garlic, lemon zest, and fresh basil.

Pair with mashed potatoes or steamed asparagus.

Baked Swordfish with Mediterranean Vegetables

This one-pan wonder is both healthy and satisfying. Layer swordfish with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, olives, and red onions.

Flavor Profile:

• Bright and zesty
• Light olive oil and oregano dressing
• Easy cleanup and perfect for meal prep

Place everything on a baking sheet, roast at 400°F for 20 minutes, and have dinner ready.

Swordfish Kebabs with Citrus-Herb Glaze

Ideal for cookouts or parties, swordfish kebabs are flavorful and visually stunning.

Build your kebabs with:

• Cubed swordfish
• Bell peppers
• Red onion
• Zucchini

Brush with a glaze of orange juice, garlic, and thyme before grilling. Rotate every few minutes until slightly charred and fully cooked.

Marinating Swordfish Like a Pro

Marinating is one of the best ways to bring flavor to swordfish. Because swordfish has a firm texture, it absorbs marinades well. But timing and ingredients matter.

Why Marinate Swordfish?

Marinades add flavor and help keep the fish moist. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar break down the outer layer slightly, which helps tenderize the fish. Oils carry flavor from herbs and spices into the meat. It’s a quick step that makes a big difference.

How Long Should You Marinate Swordfish?

Less is more. Unlike chicken or beef, swordfish doesn’t need hours in a marinade.

• Ideal time: 15 to 30 minutes
• Maximum: 1 hour
  If you marinate it too long, the acid can “cook” the fish like ceviche, making it mushy.

Best Ingredients for Marinades

Stick with a simple balance of:

• Acid: lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, or even orange juice
• Fat: olive oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil
• Flavor builders: garlic, shallots, mustard, soy sauce
• Herbs & spices: thyme, oregano, paprika, chili flakes, dill

Here’s a sample all-purpose marinade you can try:

Mix the ingredients in a bowl. Pour the mixture over the fish, turning to coat it evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Should You Rinse Off the Marinade?

There is no need to rinse. Just shake off any excess before cooking. If grilling, you can brush some marinade on during cooking—but only if it hasn’t touched raw fish. To be safe, boil leftover marinade before reusing it.

Can You Make Marinades in Advance?

Yes! You can mix marinades and store them in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes weeknight cooking faster. Just shake and pour when needed.

Pro Tip: Use Zip-Top Bags

Marinating swordfish in a zip-top bag makes cleanup easy and helps the marinade coat the fish evenly. Squeeze out the air before sealing, and lay it flat in the fridge.

How to Avoid Overcooking Swordfish

Because swordfish is lean, it’s easy to overcook. Here’s how to avoid a dry steak:

• Cook to an internal temp of 135°F, then rest
• Use a meat thermometer (like this instant-read thermometer)
• Look for the center to turn opaque with just a hint of pink

Resting the fish for 5 minutes after cooking locks in juices.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Swordfish

Swordfish works with everything from Mediterranean salads to American classics. Here are great pairings:

• Greek salad with feta and olives
• Roasted potatoes or sweet potato mash
• Grilled corn with chili-lime butter
• Quinoa or couscous with herbs

The goal is balance—something fresh and something hearty.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Swordfish

Proper storage keeps your swordfish fresh and safe:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• To reheat: wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 275°F for 10 minutes
• Avoid microwaving—it dries out the fish

Use leftovers in tacos, salads, or grain bowls the next day.

Creative Variations: Swordfish Tacos, Pasta, and More

Ready to mix things up? Try these fun twists on traditional swordfish recipes:

• Swordfish tacos with mango salsa and cabbage slaw
• Swordfish pasta with sun-dried tomato cream sauce
• Swordfish sliders on brioche buns with aioli

The meaty texture makes it easy to substitute swordfish in dishes that typically use chicken

10 Delicious Swordfish Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

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• Author: Rasha Annan
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A flavorful and straightforward grilled swordfish recipe featuring a garlic lemon marinade that enhances the fish’s natural taste. Perfect for summer cookouts and quick dinners.

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Ingredients

• 4 swordfish steaks (about 6 oz each)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

• Coat swordfish steaks with the marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

• Grill steaks on each side for 4–5 minutes until opaque and grill-marked.

• Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use thick-cut swordfish steaks (1–1½ inches) to ensure even grilling. Allow the fish to rest after grilling to retain moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: swordfish recipes, grilled swordfish, garlic lemon marinade, summer seafood, healthy fish recipes