How to Cook Swordfish 

If you are learning how to cook swordfish, it is important to know that this fish is a coarse textured and strong flavored fish. It is an oily fish therefore is very popular in broiling and grilling. The downside of this fish is that the Food and Drug warns of it carrying high levels of mercury; warnings are often issued to pregnant women and children.


Aside from this warning, most people learning how to cook swordfish are totally pleased with the mild flavor and meaty texture of this fish. The product of this American dining tradition can be found along both coasts of the United States. Because this fish grows to such a large size (up to 14 feet long weighing up to 1400 pounds) the fish meat can be cut into many nice steaks. These are perfect for grilling and broiling to serve in restaurants.


The high fat of this saltwater fish, unlike the leaner fish is distributed through the flesh. Because this fat melts when heated and moistens the meat, the flavor is especially great using the dry heat methods such as the grilling and broiling. Frying would not be suited to cook swordfish because of the fat content it already has.   Baking swordfish with simple herbs for seasoning will also yield a very tasty entrée.


NOTE: The extra fat in swordfish which adds to the flavor also sometimes accumulates a stronger “fishy” taste. For this reason, I like to soak the fish is cold salt water for a couple of hours before cooking. If the recipe is for marinating the fish, I soak in salt water before the marinating.

TANDOORI SWORDFISH STEAKS

How to Cook Swordfish with Tandoori SeasoningHow to Cook Swordfish with Tandoori Seasoning

Learn how to cook swordfish on the grill with the flavors of India.

  • 4 Swordfish steaks
  • ½ Cup plain yogurt
  • 3 Tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 Teaspoon minced garlic
  • ¾ Teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • ½ Teaspoon cumin
  • ½ Teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
  • ¼ Teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/8 Teaspoon ground coriander
  • Vegetable cooking spray

Place swordfish steaks in heavy duty zip lock bag.

Combine yogurt and next 9 ingredients in small bowl; blend well.

Reserve HALF of the marinade; pour remaining over the fish.

Seal bag tightly and shake gently until steaks are well coated.

Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours turning occasionally.

Remove steaks from the marinade and DISCARD marinade.

Coat grilling rack with cooking spray; place over medium hot coals or place under hot broiler.

Place swordfish steaks on grilling rack; cook 10 minutes on each side.

NOTE: Steaks should flake when tested with a fork.

Serve with reserved marinade; serves 4.

DIJON SWORDFISH STEAKS

Dijon Swordfish SteaksDijon Swordfish Steaks
  • 2 swordfish steaks
  • ½ Teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ Cup lemon juice
  • Coarse black pepper to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ Cup white wine
  • 3 Tablespoons honey

Preheat to 375 degrees.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl except the swordfish.

Spread over the steaks.

Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Bake 8 minutes on each side.

MARINATED SWORDFISH RECIPE

Marinated Swordfish RecipeMarinated Swordfish Recipe

Learn how to cook swordfish by broiling.

  • 6 Swordfish steaks
  • ½ Cup salad oil
  • 1/3 Cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 Teaspoons salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ Teaspoon dried tarragon
  • ¼ Teaspoon pepper
  • Lime wedges

Place steaks in a large shallow dish.

In a small bowl combine oil, vinegar, bay leaves and parsley.

Add and blend in salt, Worcestershire sauce, tarragon and pepper.

Pour mixture over the swordfish steaks; cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.

NOTE: Turn fish occasionally to coat.

Preheat broiler; place fish on broiling rack.

Use remaining marinade to spoon over fish while broiling.

Broil fish for 15 minutes or until it flakes when gently touched with fork.

Serve with lime wedges; serves 6.

HOW TO COOK SWORDFISH WITH TOMATO

A delicious recipe to learn how to cook swordfish.

  • 1/3 Cup sun dried tomatoes (not in oil)
  • 1 Cup boiling water
  • 2 Teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 Cup minced scallions
  • 3 Cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Teaspoons paprika
  • ¾ Teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 Cups chopped fresh tomatoes
  • ¼ Cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 Tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 ½ Pounds swordfish steaks
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Spray 7x11 inch baking dish.

Combine the sun dried tomatoes and water in a bowl and let stand about 10 minutes, then drain and coarsely chop tomatoes.

Sauté the scallions and garlic in the oil over medium heat.

Stir in 1 teaspoon paprika and the chili powder and cook about 1 minute.

In a medium bowl combine the sun dried tomatoes, half of the scallion mixture, the fresh tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of the basil and the orange juice and set aside.

Lay the fish on a work board and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Arrange the fish in the baking pan.

Top fish with the remaining scallion mixture and 2 tablespoons of basil.

Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon paprika and the Parmesan cheese on top of the fish.

Bake about fish flakes when touched with a fork (about 10 minutes). Serve the tomato mixture with the fish.

PAN SEARED SWORDFISH RECIPE

Learn how to cook swordfish with a lemon yogurt sauce.

Sauce

  • 1 Cup plain yogurt
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 Teaspoon minced onion
  • 2 Teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 Teaspoons oregano
  • 3 Teaspoons tarragon

COMBINE and blend all ingredients; chill until ready to serve.


Swordfish

  • 4 Swordfish steaks (1 inch thick)
  • 2 Tablespoons softened butter
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt/ pepper to taste
  • Oil
  • Sesame seeds

WASH swordfish steaks with clean cold water; pat dry.

Combine butter, soy sauce, garlic, salt and pepper; blend and spread evenly over each steak.

In large skillet sear steaks on both sides until golden brown turning over 1 time.

NOTE: Fish will flake easily when tested with a fork.

Top with sesame seeds; drizzle sauce over plate and arrange fish on top of sauce.

Serves 4.

GRILLED SWORDFISH RECIPE

Learn how to cook swordfish with avocado butter.

  • ¼ Cup soy sauce
  • 1 Teaspoon grated lemon peel
  • ¼ Cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Cloves minced garlic
  • 2 Teaspoons Dijon mustard
  •  ½ Cup vegetable oil
  • 4 Swordfish steaks (6 ounces each)
  • 2 Lemons (Cut in wedges)
  • Fresh chopped parsley

Butter

  • ½ Cup softened butter
  • ½ Cup mashed avocado
  • ¼ Cup PLUS 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 Cloves garlic

Combine soy sauce, lemon peel, juice, garlic, mustard and oil in food processor.

Process soy mixture to a smooth marinade.

Place steaks in shallow casserole dish; pierce steaks with tines of fork.

Pour marinade over the steaks; let stand in refrigerator 4 to 6 hours.

PREPARE BUTTER while steaks are marinating.

Combine butter, avocado, lemon juice, parsley and garlic in food processor.

Process butter mixture until smooth; shape s log roll on parchment paper.

Roll up in the parchment paper; freeze until ready to serve.

Remove fish steaks from the marinade; grill until done turning only 1 time.

To serve place a slice of the butter on top of steak; garnish with lemon wedge and parsley.

GRILLED SWORDFISH RECIPE

Learn how to cook swordfish and serve with anchovy caper sauce.

  • 2 ½ Pounds swordfish steaks (1/2 inch thick)
  • ½ Cup fresh orange juice
  • ¼ Cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ Cup olive oil
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

  • ½ Cup olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 Tablespoons capers (Drained)
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon minced anchovies
  • ¼ Teaspoon black pepper

Place fish steaks in large zip lock bag.

Combine juices, olive oil, salt and pepper; pour marinade over the steaks.

Seal bag tightly; marinate in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours turning occasionally.

Remove steaks from marinade and discard marinade; brush gill rack with oil.

Place fish on medium hot grill; cook 5 minutes on each side until fish flakes.

TO MAKE SAUCE combine all sauce ingredients; blend well.

Spoon over fish to serve; makes 4 servings/ 1 cup of sauce.

CRUSTED SWORDFISH RECIPE

Learn how to cook swordfish with a spicy pepper cashew crust.

  • 1 ½ Cups ground cashews
  • 2 Tablespoons cracked black pepper
  • 4 Swordfish steaks (8 ounces each)
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Combine cashews and pepper in a shallow dish; coat both sides of swordfish with mixture.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat; add swordfish.

Cook fish 10 minutes on each side until fish flakes easily when tested with fork.

Garnish with basil sprigs; serves 4.

BAKED SWORDFISH WITH WINE

  • 5 Swordfish steaks
  • ¾ Cup Sautern (Sweet wine)
  • ¼ Cup vegetable oil
  • 3 Large cloves minced garlic
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • ¾ Teaspoon hickory smoked salt (Divided)

Place steaks in a large heavy duty plastic bag.

Combine wine and next 4 ingredients in blender; process for 30 seconds.

Pour ¾ cup of the marinade over the swordfish steaks; seal bag tightly.

Refrigerate swordfish for 3 hours turning occasionally.

Chill remaining marinade to use for basting during cooking.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350F degrees.

Coat 9X13 inch baking dish with cooking spray; place steaks in dish.

Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon hickory salt over fish.

Bake 15 minutes or until fish flakes when tested with fork.

Sprinkle fish with remaining hickory smoked salt; serves 5.