Grilled Swordfish Steaks
As a coastal home cook and former fishmonger's daughter, I've always been passionate about demystifying seafood for nervous cooks. One of my favorite ways to enjoy seafood is by grilling swordfish steaks, which can be a bit intimidating at first, but trust me, it's easier than you think.
I remember my father, a fishmonger, would always tell me that the key to cooking great seafood is to keep it simple and let the natural flavors shine through. And that's exactly what we're going to do with this recipe. We'll be using a few simple ingredients, including swordfish steaks, olive oil, salt, and pepper, to create a dish that's both flavorful and moist.
Grilled swordfish steaks are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. They're easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them a great option for busy home cooks. And the best part is that they're incredibly versatile, so you can serve them with your favorite sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or couscous.
In this recipe, we'll be using a simple yet effective technique to grill our swordfish steaks to perfection. We'll be seasoning them with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice, then grilling them over medium-high heat until they're cooked through and slightly charred. And to finish them off, we'll be serving them with a delicious pan sauce made with butter, garlic, and parsley.
So if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood recipe, you're in the right place. Let's get started and make some amazing grilled swordfish steaks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
- It's perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner
- The dish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides
- The pan sauce adds a rich and creamy element to the dish
- The recipe is foolproof and can be made by anyone, regardless of their cooking experience
Why This Recipe Works
The key to cooking great grilled swordfish steaks is to cook them over high heat for a short amount of time, which helps to sear the outside and lock in the moisture. We'll be using a grill pan to achieve this, and we'll be brushing the pan with a small amount of oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
Another important factor is to not overcook the fish. Swordfish steaks are best cooked when they're slightly pink in the center, and they should flake easily with a fork. We'll be using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish, which should reach 145 F (63 C) for food safety.
Finally, we'll be finishing off the dish with a delicious pan sauce made with butter, garlic, and parsley. This adds a rich and creamy element to the dish, and it helps to balance out the flavors of the fish and the seasonings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, we'll be using a few simple ingredients, including swordfish steaks, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic, butter, and parsley. We'll also be using an instant-read thermometer to ensure that our fish is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
When shopping for swordfish steaks, look for fresh and sustainably sourced options. You can usually find them at your local fish market or grocery store. Make sure to choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick, as they'll be easier to grill and less likely to overcook.
- 4 swordfish steaks, 1 inch thickLook for fresh and sustainably sourced swordfish steaks, and choose ones that are at least 1 inch thick
- 2 tbsp olive oilWe'll be using olive oil to brush our grill pan and prevent the fish from sticking
- 1 tsp saltSalt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the fish and adds texture
- 1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice kick to the dish and helps to balance out the flavors
- 2 tbsp lemon juiceLemon juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the fish
- 3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a deep and savory flavor to the dish, and is a key component of our pan sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butterButter adds a rich and creamy element to the dish, and helps to balance out the flavors of the pan sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the pan sauce
- 1/2 tsp paprikaPaprika adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the flavors of the fish
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepperCayenne pepper adds a nice kick to the dish, and helps to balance out the flavors of the fish
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Grilled Swordfish Steaks
- 1Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat, and brush it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking
- 2Season your swordfish steaks with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper, making sure to coat them evenly
- 3Place the swordfish steaks in the grill pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C)
- 4While the fish is cooking, melt 1 tbsp of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat
- 5Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant
- 6Add the lemon juice to the saucepan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly
- 7Remove the fish from the grill pan and place it on a plate to rest
- 8Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the saucepan and stir until melted
- 9Add the chopped parsley to the saucepan and stir until combined
- 10Serve the swordfish steaks with the pan sauce spooned over the top, and garnish with additional parsley if desired
Expert Tips
- Make sure to pat the fish dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help the seasonings stick
- Don't overcrowd the grill pan, as this can cause the fish to steam instead of sear
- Use a thermometer to ensure that the fish is cooked to a safe internal temperature
- Don't overcook the fish, as this can cause it to become dry and tough
- Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute
- Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find your favorite flavor combinations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the grill pan, which can cause the fish to steam instead of sear
- Not using a thermometer to ensure that the fish is cooked to a safe internal temperature
- Overcooking the fish, which can cause it to become dry and tough
- Not letting the fish rest before serving, which can cause the juices to run out
Variations and Substitutions
- Try using different types of fish, such as salmon or tilapia, for a unique flavor and texture
- Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the grill pan for added flavor and nutrients
- Use different seasonings, such as cumin or coriander, to give the fish a unique flavor
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to the pan sauce for added flavor
- Serve the fish with a side of quinoa or couscous for a filling and nutritious meal
What to Serve With Grilled Swordfish Steaks
Swordfish steaks are incredibly versatile, and can be served with a variety of sides to complement their rich and meaty flavor. Some of our favorite options include roasted vegetables, quinoa or couscous, and a simple green salad.
For a more substantial meal, try serving the swordfish steaks with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes. And for a lighter option, try serving them with a side of steamed asparagus or green beans.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
Grilled swordfish steaks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal. To store, simply place the cooked fish in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40 F (4 C) or below.
To reheat, simply place the fish in the oven at 350 F (175 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the fish in the microwave by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and heating on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
It's also possible to freeze grilled swordfish steaks for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply place the cooked fish in an airtight container or freezer bag and store at 0 F (-18 C) or below. To reheat, simply thaw the fish overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to cook swordfish steaks?
The best way to cook swordfish steaks is to grill them over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C).
How do I know when the fish is cooked?
The fish is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, you can use a different type of fish, such as salmon or tilapia, but keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature may vary.
How do I store and reheat grilled swordfish steaks?
Grilled swordfish steaks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated as desired.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking swordfish steaks?
Common mistakes to avoid include overcrowding the grill pan, not using a thermometer to ensure the fish is cooked to a safe internal temperature, and overcooking the fish.
Can I add other ingredients to the pan sauce?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the pan sauce, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to give it more flavor and nutrients.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the grill pan?
To prevent the fish from sticking to the grill pan, brush the pan with a small amount of olive oil before cooking.
Can I serve the swordfish steaks with a side of quinoa or couscous?
Yes, you can serve the swordfish steaks with a side of quinoa or couscous for a filling and nutritious meal

Ingredients
- 4 swordfish steaks, 1 inch thick
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat, and brush it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking
- Season your swordfish steaks with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper, making sure to coat them evenly
- Place the swordfish steaks in the grill pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C)
- While the fish is cooking, melt 1 tbsp of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat
- Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant
- Add the lemon juice to the saucepan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly
- Remove the fish from the grill pan and place it on a plate to rest
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the saucepan and stir until melted
- Add the chopped parsley to the saucepan and stir until combined
- Serve the swordfish steaks with the pan sauce spooned over the top, and garnish with additional parsley if desired