Mastering the Art of Cooking Swordfish

Introducing swordfish into your cooking repertoire can add a deliciously unique flavor to your meals. Swordfish is a firm-textured, meaty fish with a mildly sweet taste that lends itself well to various cooking methods, including grilling, baking, and pan-searing.

So, let’s do a deep dive into the magnificent world of swordfish.

Selecting Swordfish

When buying swordfish, opt for fresh, sustainably sourced cuts whenever possible. Look for firm, moist flesh with a vibrant hue and a mild, sweet aroma. If the fish is brown or has a strong, fishy smell, it probably has gone bad.

Preparing Your Canvas

Now that you have acquired the perfect piece of swordfish, it is time to prepare the canvas for your culinary masterpiece. Start by patting the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will ensure that you get a crispy exterior when cooking.

Next, season the swordfish generously with salt and pepper. You may also use your favorite dry rub or marinade.

Swordfish pairs well with a variety of flavors. So, you can get as creative as you want with your seasoning choices. Whether you prefer a simple salt and pepper rub or a zesty citrus marinade, the key is to let the natural flavors of the fish shine through.

Cooking Methods

Swordfish can be cooked in countless ways. In this article, we will talk about three of the most popular ways to cook swordfish.

Grilling

Grilling is perhaps the most beloved way of cooking swordfish. It gives the fish a smoky, charred flavor that perfectly complements the fish’s natural richness.

Here is an easy grilled swordfish recipe for you.

Ingredients:

• Swordfish (3 to 4 steaks)
• Garlic (6 to 8 cloves)
• Extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup)
• Lemon juice (2 tablespoon)
• Coriander leaves (1 teaspoon)
• Cumin seeds (3/4 teaspoon)
• Sweet paprika (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

These are the steps you need to follow:

1. In a food processor, add the garlic, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Blend everything till you get a smooth marinade.
2. Remove the excess moisture from the fish and place it in a glass dish. Now, pour the marinade over the fish to cover it from both sides. Set aside for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Heat your grill. When the grill is ready, place your swordfish steaks and cook for 5 minutes on one side. Flip it and cook for 3 minutes on the other side. Swordfish tend to have little fat content, so overcooking could make it dry.
4. Take the fish off the grill and allow it to rest. Drizzle some lemon juice over it when you are ready to serve.

How do you know when your swordfish is done? The fish should be firm yet flake easily. You may see a little bit of pink inside, but the residual heat would ensure the fish is cooked by the time it is served on the table.

Pan-Searing

Pan-searing is another fantastic way to cook swordfish, especially if you want to rustle up something quick and delicious.

This pan-seared swordfish recipe is perfect even for beginners.

Ingredients:

• Swordfish steaks (2, about 1 inch thick)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2-3 tablespoons)
• Salsa (3-4 tablespoons, optional)

Below are the instructions:

• Pat the swordfish steaks dry with paper towels. Trim the edges of the steaks and discard any extra skin.
• Sprinkle salt on both sides of the steak.
• Heat olive oil in a thick-bottomed pan over medium heat for a few minutes. When the oil is hot, add the steaks to the pan. Cook for two minutes on one side and then flip and cook for two more minutes.
• Take the steaks off the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Top it with some lemon juice or salsa and serve.

How do you know your fish is done? We recommend using an instant-read thermometer since different-sized steaks cook at different times. Ensure that the center of the swordfish steak has a temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the pan.

Baking

Baking is yet another foolproof method for cooking delicious swordfish.

This easy, baked swordfish recipe is all you need if you are in the mood for a delicious dinner.

Ingredients:

• Swordfish steak (4, 1-inch thick)
• Garlic cloves (2, minced)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Salt ( to taste)

Ingredients for the lemon vinaigrette:

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
• Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup)
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
• Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon)
• A pinch of salt

Here are the instructions you need to follow:

1. Apply salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the fish, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Take a baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Now, rub the marinated steaks with olive oil and minced garlic before placing them in the dish.
4. Bake the swordfish steaks without covering for at least 12 to 15 minutes.
5. While your fish is baking, prepare the vinaigrette. Take freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a jar. Close the jar tightly and shake well.
6. Take the swordfish out of the oven. Allow to rest for a couple of minutes before serving it with the lemon vinaigrette on the side.

How do you know the fish is done? Use a fork to check if the fish flakes easily. You may also use a thermometer to check for doneness.

Serving Suggestions

The best thing about swordfish is that it pairs well with a wide variety of accompaniments. You can serve your swordfish with a medley of roasted or grilled vegetables. We feel bell peppers, asparagus, and zucchini go extremely well, but you may use any vegetables of your choice.

You may also complement the richness of the swordfish with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery couscous, or fragrant rice pilaf.

A drizzle of homemade salsa verde, creamy dill sauce, or a tangy citrus vinaigrette elevates the swordfish to another level.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you have officially mastered the art of cooking swordfish. With its versatility and delicious taste, swordfish can be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find your favorite way to enjoy this flavorful fish!