Description
Golden, buttery, and infused with the perfect balance of garlic and citrus, this Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Swordfish is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home in under 30 minutes! With a crispy, golden crust and a juicy, tender center, this swordfish recipe is a guaranteed hit for seafood lovers. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for an easy yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
For the Swordfish:
2 swordfish fillets (6–8 oz each, about 1 inch thick)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the Swordfish:
Pat the swordfish fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Sear the Swordfish:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the fillets.
Sear for 4–5 minutes per side or until a golden-brown crust forms and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce heat to medium and push the swordfish to the side of the pan.
Add butter and let it melt. Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in lemon juice, stirring to combine.
Baste & Finish:
Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the swordfish fillets.
Let the fillets cook for another 1–2 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Serve & Enjoy:
Transfer the fillets to a serving plate.
Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
✔ Fresh vs. Frozen Swordfish: If using frozen fillets, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and pat them dry before seasoning.
✔ Don’t Overcook! Swordfish can dry out quickly—use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F (63°C).
✔ Pairing Suggestions: Serve with roasted asparagus, quinoa, or a fresh citrus salad for a balanced meal.
✔ Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 swordfish fillet
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 36g
Keywords: swordfish recipe, pan-seared swordfish, garlic butter fish, easy seafood recipe, Mediterranean swordfish, healthy fish dinner, low-carb fish recipe, gluten-free seafood