When it comes to seafood, swordfish is often overlooked in favor of more popular options like salmon or shrimp. But this lean and flavorful fish deserves a spot on your dinner table, especially when pan-seared to perfection. With its firm texture and mild flavor, swordfish is a versatile canvas just waiting for your favorite flavors and seasonings. In this article, we’ll dive into 18 crispy swordfish recipes that are sure to impress. From classic lemon garlic butter to bold combinations like spicy mango salsa and brown butter with sage, there’s something for every taste bud.
Pan-Seared Swordfish with Lemon Garlic Butter
Pan-Seared Swordfish with Lemon Garlic Butter
Elevate your swordfish game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the bright flavors of lemon and garlic with a rich butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the swordfish steaks with salt and pepper.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the preheated pan and sear the swordfish for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the swordfish from the pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, lemon juice, and garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the butter is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve the swordfish with the lemon garlic butter spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Crispy Swordfish Steaks with Herb Crust
A flavorful and visually appealing dish that combines the tender taste of swordfish with a crunchy herb crust.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, olive oil, parsley, thyme, and garlic powder.
3. Season swordfish steaks with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge each steak in the herb crust mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is crispy.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Garlic Butter Swordfish in a Skillet
A flavorful and easy-to-make swordfish recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This dish is sure to please with its rich garlic butter sauce and tender fish.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Place the swordfish fillets in the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine with any remaining butter and garlic.
7. Serve the swordfish with the garlic butter sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Fried Swordfish with Tomato Basil Sauce
A Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines the delicate flavor of swordfish with a tangy and herby tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 2 cups mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the swordfish steaks with salt and pepper.
3. Add the olive oil to the preheated pan and swirl it around.
4. Pan-fry the swordfish steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine the cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and garlic in a bowl.
6. In a small saucepan, heat the tomato mixture over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve the pan-fried swordfish steaks with the Tomato Basil Sauce spooned on top. Offer lemon wedges on the side.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Swordfish Piccata with Capers and White Wine
This classic Italian dish is a simple yet elegant way to prepare swordfish, featuring a delicate white wine and caper sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the swordfish steaks with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add the swordfish steaks to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the swordfish from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the white wine and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Add the capers to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they start to darken.
7. Return the swordfish steaks to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Pan-Seared Swordfish with Mango Salsa
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and spicy swordfish dish, paired with a sweet and tangy mango salsa.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Mango salsa (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Place swordfish steaks in the skillet and brush with the spice mixture.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
5. Let rest for 1 minute before serving.
Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Swordfish with Brown Butter and Sage
A flavorful and elegant dish that highlights the rich taste of swordfish, paired with the earthy sweetness of brown butter and the subtle notes of sage.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup browned butter (see note)
– 2 tsp chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season swordfish steaks with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of unsalted butter. Sear swordfish for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, add the browned butter and chopped sage. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sage is fragrant.
5. Serve swordfish topped with the brown butter and sage mixture.
Cooking Time:
– Swordfish: 6-8 minutes
– Brown butter and sage: 1 minute
Pan-Cooked Swordfish with Olive Tapenade
A Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines the delicate flavor of swordfish with the savory richness of olive tapenade. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup olive tapenade (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the swordfish steaks with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Add the olive oil to the skillet and swirl it around.
4. Sear the swordfish for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and add garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to the skillet.
7. Stir in the olive tapenade and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
8. Serve the swordfish with the warm olive tapenade sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mediterranean Swordfish with Olives and Tomatoes
This recipe combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with a delicious swordfish dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together sliced olives, halved tomatoes, and minced garlic.
3. Place swordfish steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the swordfish and sprinkle with oregano leaves.
5. Top each swordfish steak with the olive-tomato mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until swordfish is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Simple Pan-Fried Swordfish with Lemon Pepper
A bright and citrusy twist on a classic dish, this simple pan-fry recipe brings out the best in swordfish.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the swordfish fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning on both sides.
3. Add the olive oil to the preheated pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
4. Place the swordfish fillets in the pan, skin side down (if they have skin).
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the fish is seared and cooked about halfway through.
6. Flip the swordfish over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until cooked through.
7. Remove from heat and squeeze a sliver of lemon juice on top of each fillet.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Swordfish with Crispy Skin and Herb Oil
A flavorful and visually appealing dish that showcases the swordfish’s natural crispy skin, paired with a fragrant herb oil.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Season swordfish fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Place swordfish on the prepared baking sheet.
5. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
6. Brush the herb oil mixture evenly over the swordfish fillets.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Seared Swordfish with Avocado Lime Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and vibrant dish, featuring succulent swordfish paired with a refreshing avocado lime sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season swordfish fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the pan, then sear swordfish for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, blend avocado, lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth.
5. Serve swordfish topped with Avocado Lime Sauce, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes (includes cooking time for swordfish)
Swordfish Steaks with Garlic and Chili Flakes
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful swordfish steak recipe, infused with the pungency of garlic and the heat of chili flakes.
Ingredients:
• 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and chili flakes.
3. Brush both sides of the swordfish steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the swordfish steaks on the grill or grill pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the garlic-chili mixture evenly over both sides of the swordfish steaks.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Quick Pan-Fried Swordfish with Dill Yogurt Sauce
A refreshing and flavorful seafood dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes! This recipe combines the delicate flavor of swordfish with a tangy and creamy dill yogurt sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Season the swordfish steaks with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil.
3. Pan-fry the swordfish steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, mix the yogurt, dill, and lemon juice in a bowl.
5. Serve the pan-fried swordfish with the dill yogurt sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Swordfish with Caramelized Onions and Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your seafood game with this sweet and savory swordfish recipe, featuring caramelized onions and a tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the sliced onions over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re dark golden brown and caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, season the swordfish fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Place the swordfish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey to create the glaze.
6. Brush the glaze over the swordfish during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve the swordfish with caramelized onions spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pan-Seared Swordfish with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and visually stunning dish, featuring pan-seared swordfish paired with a vibrant roasted red pepper sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp butter
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Season swordfish with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear swordfish for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
4. In the same skillet, add chopped red bell peppers, garlic, chicken broth, and butter. Roast in oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Serve swordfish with roasted red pepper sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Swordfish with Crispy Parmesan Crust
This recipe elevates swordfish to new heights by adding a crunchy and flavorful parmesan crust, perfect for a quick and impressive dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
3. Season swordfish steaks with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each swordfish steak into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add coated swordfish steaks to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.
7. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until swordfish is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Fried Swordfish with Cilantro Lime Butter
A bright and zesty twist on a classic dish, this recipe combines the tender flavor of swordfish with the freshness of cilantro and lime.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, cilantro, lime juice, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Season the swordfish steaks with salt and pepper.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the preheated skillet and swirl to coat.
5. Place two swordfish steaks in the skillet and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Repeat with remaining swordfish steaks.
7. Serve each steak with a pat of cilantro lime butter on top.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes total
Summary
Discover the ultimate guide to pan-seared swordfish recipes! This collection of 18 mouth-watering dishes will take your cooking skills to the next level. From classic Lemon Garlic Butter and Garlic Butter Swordfish in a Skillet, to innovative creations like Spicy Pan-Seared Swordfish with Mango Salsa and Mediterranean Swordfish with Olives and Tomatoes, there’s something for every taste and skill level. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive show-stopping dish, these crispy swordfish recipes are sure to please.
