Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish is a flavorful and satisfying dish that delivers the best of both worlds—a beautifully seared, crispy crust with a tender, juicy interior. Swordfish is a meaty, firm fish that holds up wonderfully on the grill, making it an ideal choice for grilling enthusiasts and seafood lovers alike. With its natural mild sweetness and delicate flavor, swordfish pairs perfectly with a simple marinade of herbs, spices, and citrus, enhancing its taste without overpowering its natural characteristics.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also quick to cook, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even a special occasion. The combination of a crispy, golden exterior and a juicy interior makes each bite a truly satisfying experience. Additionally, grilled swordfish is a healthy option packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a wealth of nutrients that make it a smart choice for anyone looking to eat healthily while indulging in a delicious meal.

Perfect for:

• Grilling season and outdoor barbecues
• Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings
• Healthy, high-protein meals
• Halal-friendly seafood meals
• Light, refreshing meals for the summer months

Why You’ll Love This Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish Recipe

Here’s why Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish will become your go-to seafood dish:

• Crispy, Flavorful Crust: The grill creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the swordfish inside moist and tender, providing a wonderful texture contrast in every bite.
• Simple Yet Flavorful Marinade: The marinade enhances the natural flavors of the fish with fresh herbs, lemon, garlic, and olive oil, without overpowering it.
• Quick and Easy: This dish requires minimal prep time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you need a quick yet impressive meal.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Swordfish is packed with lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice that’s heart-healthy and filling.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe contains no non-Halal ingredients, ensuring it’s suitable for those who follow a Halal diet.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 45g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients for Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious seafood dish:

For the Marinade:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Swordfish:

• 4 swordfish steaks (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the grill)
• Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Swordfish Steaks: Swordfish is a firm, meaty fish with a mildly sweet flavor. It is often preferred for grilling due to its texture, which holds up well against high heat.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the base of the marinade and is used to add richness and enhance the flavors of the swordfish. It also helps create the crispy crust when grilling.
• Garlic and Lemon: The garlic brings a savory note, while the lemon juice adds freshness and brightness that complements the richness of the swordfish.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh parsley, oregano, cumin, and paprika give the swordfish a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that adds depth to the dish without overpowering the delicate fish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

for Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly grilled swordfish that’s both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside:

1. Prepare the Marinade for Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish

1. Whisk the Marinade Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. This simple marinade will infuse the swordfish with vibrant flavors and create a crispy exterior when grilled.
2. Marinate the Swordfish: Place the swordfish steaks in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Seal the dish or bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re short on time, a quick 15-minute marinade will still yield great results.

2. Preheat the Grill

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Make sure the grates are clean to prevent the swordfish from sticking.
2. Oil the Grill: Before placing the swordfish on the grill, brush the grates lightly with olive oil to ensure the fish doesn’t stick.

3. Grill the Swordfish

1. Place Swordfish on the Grill: Once the grill is preheated, place the marinated swordfish steaks on the grill. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as the fish makes contact with the hot grates.
2. Grill on One Side: Grill the swordfish for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, depending on the thickness of the steaks. You’re looking for a crispy, golden-brown crust on the fish.
3. Flip the Swordfish: Using tongs or a spatula, carefully flip the swordfish steaks and grill for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. The fish is done when it easily flakes with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Check for Doneness: If you prefer a slightly rarer center, you can reduce the grilling time, but make sure the fish is opaque and flakes easily.

4. Serve and Garnish

1. Remove from Grill: Once the swordfish steaks are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
3. Serve: Serve the swordfish steaks immediately, either on their own or with sides like grilled vegetables, couscous, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish

Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish is delicious on its own, but you can easily pair it with a variety of sides for a complete meal:

• With Grilled Vegetables: Serve the swordfish alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a healthy and colorful plate.
• With Quinoa or Rice: Pair the swordfish with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a light yet filling meal.
• With a Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with greens like arugula, mixed greens, or spinach, dressed in a light vinaigrette, complements the grilled fish beautifully.
• With Couscous: The fluffy texture of couscous makes a great side dish for grilled swordfish, offering a slightly nutty flavor that balances the richness of the fish.
• With Garlic Bread or Pita: For a more indulgent option, serve the swordfish with some warm garlic bread or pita for dipping into any leftover marinade.

Additional Tips for Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish

To make sure your Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t Overcook the Fish: Swordfish cooks quickly, so be mindful not to overcook it. The fish should be opaque and easily flake with a fork, but still juicy.
• Use Fresh Swordfish: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh swordfish steaks, which will have a better taste and a firmer, meatier texture than frozen fish.
• Marinate for Flavor: While 15 minutes of marination will give you good results, if you have more time, marinate the swordfish for up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate more deeply.
• Avoid Flipping Too Often: Only flip the swordfish once to maintain the crispy crust and ensure it cooks evenly. Constant flipping can cause the fish to lose its texture.
• Grill with Skin On (If Available): If your swordfish steaks come with skin on, leave it on while grilling. The skin will help hold the fish together and contribute to a crispier texture.
• Use a Grill Basket for Delicate Fish: If you’re worried about the swordfish falling apart on the grill, consider using a grill basket or fish tray. This will help keep the fish intact and make flipping easier.

Recipe Variations for Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few variations you can try with your Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish:

1. Citrus-Marinated Swordfish: For an extra burst of citrus, add orange or lime juice to the marinade in addition to the lemon for a tangy, zesty flavor.
2. Spicy Grilled Swordfish: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the fish’s natural sweetness

.

3. Herb-Infused Swordfish: Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to add unique flavor profiles to your grilled swordfish.
4. Honey Glazed Swordfish: Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness that caramelizes as the fish grills, giving it a beautiful glaze.
5. Garlic and Herb Butter Sauce: After grilling, drizzle the swordfish with a garlic and herb-infused butter sauce for an indulgent, buttery finish.

Freezing and Storage for Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish

• Freezing: While grilled swordfish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 3 months if needed. Wrap the grilled steaks tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw the swordfish in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the grill or in the oven to restore some of the crispy texture.
• Storage: Store leftover grilled swordfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on a grill or in a skillet to keep the texture intact.

Special Equipment for Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish

Here are some tools that will make grilling swordfish even easier:

• Grill Basket: A grill basket can help prevent the swordfish from sticking to the grates and falling apart while grilling.
• Tongs or Spatula: Use tongs or a spatula to flip the swordfish steaks carefully to avoid breaking the fish.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: For perfectly cooked swordfish, an instant-read thermometer can help ensure it reaches the ideal internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Basting Brush: A basting brush will help you apply olive oil to the grill grates or swordfish steaks evenly.
• Grill Brush: A clean grill ensures that your swordfish doesn’t stick, and a grill brush will help remove any residue from previous grilling sessions.

FAQ Section for Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish

1. Can I use a different type of fish instead of swordfish?
   Yes, you can use other firm, meaty fish like tuna, mahi-mahi, or halibut as a substitute for swordfish. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.
2. Can I marinate the swordfish overnight?
   While marinating for 1 hour is ideal, you can marinate the swordfish overnight if you want to deepen the flavor. Just be cautious not to marinate for too long, as the fish may become too soft.
3. Can I grill the swordfish on a stovetop grill pan?
   Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan to achieve similar results. Just make sure to preheat the pan and oil it lightly before cooking.
4. Can I make this recipe without a grill?
   Yes, you can pan-sear the swordfish in a hot skillet on the stovetop if you don’t have access to a grill. Just be sure to get the pan very hot before adding the fish to get a crispy sear.
5. Is this recipe Halal?
   Yes, this recipe contains no pork, bacon, wine, or any non-Halal ingredients, making it suitable for a Halal diet.

Print

Conclusion of Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish

Crispy & Tender Grilled Swordfish is a simple yet impressive dish that combines the best of grilling techniques with the fresh, mild flavor of swordfish. With a few basic ingredients and a quick marinade, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for seafood. Healthy, delicious, and Halal-friendly, this dish will become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!