Looking to add a healthy and flavorful seafood dish to your recipe rotation? Meet your new favorite dinner hero: Lemon Garlic Swordfish! This beautifully simple dish combines the tender, meaty texture of swordfish with the bright zing of fresh lemon and the aromatic punch of garlic. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or just trying to eat a little healthier, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and perfect for any weeknight dinner or fancy dinner party.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to cook the perfect lemon garlic swordfish, plus all the little tips and tricks to make it absolutely flawless. Bonus? It’s done in under 30 minutes. 😍
Here’s everything you need to know:
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have at home.
Main Ingredients
- Swordfish Steaks (2, about 6 oz each): Fresh or frozen will work. Feel free to swap with tuna or shark steak if you prefer.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): For that bright, tangy flavor. Lime can work in a pinch!
- Garlic Cloves (3, minced): Fresh is best, but garlic powder works as well (use ½ tsp).
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Keeps the fish juicy and imparts a wonderful richness. Avocado oil is an excellent alternative.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): For garnish and a pop of color. Dried parsley works if you don’t have fresh.
Pantry Staples
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Optional Add-ons: Craving extra zest? Add a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. You do you!
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. If you like a slight kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simple, right?
Step 2: Marinate the Swordfish
- Place your swordfish steaks in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring every inch is coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. Don’t over-marinate! Unlike other proteins, fish absorbs flavor quickly.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep
- If grilling, heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- If cooking in a pan, preheat a heavy skillet (cast iron works beautifully) over medium heat.
Step 4: Cook the Swordfish
- On the Grill: Grill the swordfish for 4–5 minutes per side or until opaque and flakey. Aim for a golden sear with nice grill marks!
- On the Stovetop: Heat a bit more olive oil in your skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on each side.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
- Once cooked, drizzle a little extra lemon juice over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
That’s it! Simple, fuss-free, and oh-so-delicious.
Pro Tips & Tricks
Perfecting lemon garlic swordfish is all about attention to detail. These tips will help you nail it every time:
- Choosing Swordfish
Look for steaks that are about 1–1.5 inches thick with a firm texture. Avoid anything overly mushy or fishy-smelling!
- Thawing Frozen Swordfish
Thaw your swordfish overnight in the fridge or submerge it (in a sealed bag) in cool water for quick thawing.
- Avoid Overcooking
Swordfish can become dry if cooked for too long. Keep an eye on the timer and watch for that opaque, flakey texture.
Nutritional Breakdown
Swordfish is a nutritional powerhouse! Here’s what you’re looking at per serving of this recipe (approx. one 6 oz steak):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 39g (hello, gains!)
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 1g (basically none)
- Omega-3s: It’s packed with heart-healthy fats!
Swap ingredients like olive oil for avocado oil for an extra dose of healthy fats.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon garlic swordfish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Here are some of our favorite ideas to make this a complete meal:
- Vibrant Quinoa Salad
A mix of quinoa, fresh veggies, and a lemon vinaigrette makes the ideal fresh and zesty pairing.
- Grilled Vegetables
Think asparagus, green beans, or zucchini for a healthy, smoky side dish.
- Lemon-Infused Couscous
Enhance the overall citrus profile of your meal with a simple lemony couscous.
- Tomato & Basil Salad
Nothing beats a classic tomato salad to keep it light and refreshing.
Your Perfect Seafood Dinner Awaits!
Congratulations, you now have the perfect recipe for a mouth-watering Lemon Garlic Swordfish! It’s quick, simple, and loaded with nutrients, making it one of the best meals to impress your guests or treat yourself to a fancy night in.
We’d love to see your creations! Snap a picture of your masterpiece and tag us on social media with #SwordfishPerfection for a chance to be featured.
Happy cooking, seafood lovers!
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