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swordfish recipe

Swordfish Recipe​


  • Author: Danielle
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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

Scale

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