Grilled Swordfish How To Cook Swordfish Steaks Wellplated Com

Swordfish tastes mild, slightly sweet, and not “fishy” (it’s not as strong as Baked Salmon in Foil, for example). It’s firm, moist, and dense, in a good way—the name swordfish “steak” is befitting. It was the first fish I loved as a kid. Other than rare occasions when my grandma treated us to Red Lobster (where I filled up on biscuits and then ordered Cajun Shrimp Pasta Alfredo), I didn’t grow up eating much seafood. I detested fish sticks, so I assumed all other fish were (to quote my expressive young self) “gross.” Thankfully, one night at dinner, my dad convinced me to try a bite of his grilled swordfish. DELISH! Why hadn’t anyone told me that most fish don’t taste like fish sticks? While I became a fast swordfish fan, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I started cooking it myself. I assumed pulling off moist grilled swordfish would be difficult and that I’d mess it up. My swordfish assumptions were wrong once again—swordfish is super easy to grill at home.

Like tuna, swordfish steaks absorb flavor fast. Between 10 to 15 minutes of marinating time is all you need for swordfish. Any simple marinade will do.Since swordfish is firm, it’s easier to flip on the grill than more delicate fish (like Grilled Cod). You can cook it right on the grill grates (no need for a packet, like this Grilled Salmon in Foil).

Ready to bring the restaurant home to you? Let’s grill some swordfish!

How to Grill Swordfish

The key to moist grilled swordfish is to remove it from the heat once it reaches medium rare (135 degrees F in the thickest part) and to let it rest.

The best way to know if swordfish is done on the grill is by using an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature. When the swordfish is cooked through, it should feel firm, flake easily, and no longer be translucent. Swordfish cooks in 8 to 10 minutes over medium-high heat. Flip swordfish halfway through cooking.Let swordfish rest 10 minutes before serving. As with meats (like Grilled Chicken Breast, Air Fryer Steak, and Grilled Pork Chops), resting allows the juices to reincorporate, giving you the moistest grilled swordfish.

This recipe includes my favorite simple grilled swordfish marinade made with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic cloves, lemon, and herbs, which pairs wonderfully with a side of Roasted Tomatoes. This is a hearty fish that can stand up to bold flavors, so feel free to play around. For grilled swordfish seasoning, you can use any of your favorite blends, or try my Salmon Seasoning. For serving you could try a salsa like this sweet and spicy avocado pineapple salsa from pineapple glazed salmon!

The Ingredients

Swordfish. Meaty, mild, healthy, and moist, swordfish is a crowd-pleasing seafood option. The simple marinade in this recipe elevates it while allowing the scrumptious grilled swordfish flavor to shine.

Olive Oil. Pulls all the different marinade flavors together and helps them cling to the fish. Soy Sauce. The essential umami element. Sherry Vinegar. With a hint of nuttiness and sweetness, sherry vinegar is a fantastic way to add acidity and rich flavor to the marinade.

Garlic + Oregano. For essential garlicky and herby flavor. Could try to use thyme here as well!Lemon. Lemon zest and juice add brightness and acidity to the marinade. A grilled lemon is also juiced over the top of the finished fish, adding a subtle smoky flavor.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate swordfish in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days in the fridge.To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in a skillet on the stovetop. To Freeze. Freeze swordfish in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that frozen, thawed fish will taste more fishy and the texture will breakdown somewhat.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Grill Tongs. Perfect for any of my grilling recipes.Instant Read Thermometer. The most reliable way to check fish for doneness. Citrus Juicer. Once you’ve juiced a lemon or lime with this tool, you won’t want to do it any other way.

This easy grilled swordfish recipe has become one of our new favorite fast, healthy dinners. I’m so glad I tried it all those years ago.

When purchasing swordfish, look for sustainably and responsibly sourced steaks that are firm with no discoloration in the flesh.Try to find steaks that are at least 1-inch thick so they will stay together during the marinating/grilling process.