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