7 Easy Swordfish Seasoning Recipes: Unlock the Flavor of the Sea

Swordfish is a delicious and versatile seafood option that’s perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

But to truly elevate this fish to culinary greatness, you need the right swordfish seasoning.

With tantalizing combinations of herbs, spices, and other ingredients, there are endless ways to create mouthwatering flavors that complement the firm texture and mild taste of swordfish.

Today You’ll Learn:

• The Importance of Seasoning Your Swordfish
• Zesty Lemon Pepper Perfection
• Sweet & Smoky BBQ Bliss
• Herbaceous Mediterranean Marvel
• Spicy Cajun Kick
• Tangy Teriyaki Delight
• Classic Garlic Butter Elegance
• Bold & Fiery Chipotle Adventure

The Importance of Seasoning Your Swordfish

A good swordfish seasoning can:

• Enhance natural flavors without overpowering them.
• Create a beautiful sear or crust on your cooked fish.
• Balance out rich sauces or side dishes.
• Add variety to your meal planning by offering different flavor profiles.

7 Best Swordfish Seasoning Recipes

Swordfish is a delicious and nutritious fish, but it can be difficult to know what seasonings will bring out its best flavor.

If you’re looking for the perfect seasoning combination for your next swordfish dish, here are seven recipes that you should try:

Recipe 1: Zesty Lemon Pepper Perfection

For those who love bright citrus notes with a peppery zing!

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Zest from one lemon

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine lemon pepper seasoning, olive oil, and lemon zest; mix well.
2. Rub mixture evenly onto both sides of swordfish steaks.
3. Cook as desired (grill, bake or pan-sear).

Serving Ideas:

1. Top with freshly squeezed lemon juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
2. Serve alongside grilled vegetables tossed in garlic-infused olive oil.
3. Pair with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Recipe 2: Sweet & Smoky BBQ Bliss

Bring the flavors of a summer cookout to your swordfish with this seasoning blend.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.
2. Rub mixture evenly onto both sides of swordfish steaks.
3. Cook as desired (grill, bake or pan-sear).

Serving Ideas:

1. Drizzle cooked swordfish with your favorite BBQ sauce for added depth.
2. Serve alongside homemade coleslaw and cornbread muffins.
3. Pair with an ice-cold craft beer or sweet tea.

Recipe 3: Herbaceous Mediterranean Marvel

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean coast with this herby, aromatic blend.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• Zest from one lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.
2. Rub mixture evenly onto both sides of swordfish steaks.
3. Cook as desired (grill, bake or pan-sear).

Serving Ideas:

1. Top with a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt sauce or tzatziki.
2. Serve alongside a refreshing tomato-cucumber salad with feta cheese.
3. Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Recipe 4: Spicy Cajun Kick

Add some heat to your swordfish with this spicy Cajun-inspired blend.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.
2. Rub mixture evenly onto both sides of swordfish steaks.
3. Cook as desired (grill, bake or pan-sear).

Serving Ideas:

1. Top cooked swordfish with sautéed bell peppers and onions for added texture.
2. Serve over dirty rice or creamy grits for an authentic Southern experience.
3. Pair with an ice-cold lager beer or sweet tea.

Recipe 5: Tangy Teriyaki Delight

Bring the flavors of the Far East home with this umami-packed seasoning blend.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• Juice from one lime
• Zest from one lime
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.
2. Marinate swordfish steaks in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cook as desired (grill, bake or pan-sear), brushing with leftover marinade during cooking.

Serving Ideas:

1. Sprinkle cooked swordfish with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
2. Serve over a bed of jasmine rice with steamed bok choy or snow peas.
3. Pair with a cold Japanese beer or sake.

Recipe 6: Classic Garlic Butter Elegance

You can’t go wrong with this simple yet delicious combination of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and minced garlic; mix well.
2. Brush mixture onto both sides of swordfish steaks.
3. Cook as desired (grill, bake, or pan-sear).

Serving Ideas:

1. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the cooked swordfish for added richness.
2. Serve alongside roasted potatoes and garlicky green beans.
3. Pair with a full-bodied Chardonnay wine.

Recipe 7: Bold & Fiery Chipotle Adventure

Add some smoky heat to your swordfish dish with this spicy blend.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
• Juice from one lime
• Zest from one lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine adobo sauce, lime juice, lime zest; mix well.
2. Rub mixture evenly onto both sides of swordfish steaks.
3. Cook as desired (grill, bake or pan-sear).

Serving Ideas:

1. Top with a dollop of avocado crema for a cool contrast to the heat.
2. Serve over cilantro lime rice or alongside grilled corn on the cob.
3. Pair with a tangy margarita or ice-cold Mexican beer.

5 Tips For Seasoning Swordfish

• Ensure your swordfish is fresh and properly prepared (trimmed and skin removed) before adding seasoning to maximize flavor absorption.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try combining different herbs, spices, and other ingredients to create your own unique blends that suit your taste preferences.
• When grilling or searing swordfish, allow it to develop a crust by not moving it around too much during cooking; this will help lock in the flavors from the seasonings added.
• For an extra boost of flavor, marinate your seasoned swordfish in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will help tenderize and infuse even more of those delicious flavors into the fish.
• If you’re unsure about how much seasoning to use, start with less – you can always add more later if desired.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

• To save time on busy weeknights, pre-mix batches of dry seasonings in small jars or containers; they’ll keep well for several months when stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
• Leftover cooked swordfish can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

FAQs

What flavors go well with swordfish?

Swordfish pairs well with bold flavors like garlic, lemon, capers, olives, tomatoes, fresh herbs (such as basil), spicy peppers (like jalapeños), onions/leeks, and aromatic spices.

How to prepare and cook swordfish?

Before cooking swordfish, remove the skin and any dark red muscle tissue. Swordfish can be grilled, baked or pan-seared over medium-high heat until cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F). The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steaks but generally takes about 4-6 minutes per side.

How is swordfish meant to be cooked?

Swordfish should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. It should still have a slightly pink center when fully cooked. Overcooking can result in dry, chewy meat.

What Flavor is swordfish steak?

Swordfish steak has a mild flavor profile that’s often compared to other white fish like halibut or mahi-mahi. Its firm texture allows it to stand up well to bold seasonings and sauces.