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Home » Grilling » Grilled Swordfish

Published: June 24, 2020 Last Modified: June 24, 2020 By Sara 30 Comments

Grilled Swordfish

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This grilled swordfish is marinated in lemon, garlic, olive oil and herbs, then seared on the grill until golden brown.

This grilled swordfish is marinated in lemon, garlic, olive oil and herbs, then seared on the grill until golden brown. The absolute best way to prepare swordfish, this dinner is easy yet elegant.

During the warmer weather months, I grill at least once a week. Some of my favorite foods to grill include steak, corn and of course, seafood. Once you try this grilled swordfish, you’ll find yourself making it all summer long.

This grilled swordfish is marinated in lemon, garlic, olive oil and herbs, then seared on the grill until golden brown. This grilled swordfish is marinated in lemon, garlic, olive oil and herbs, then seared on the grill until golden brown.

A plate of grilled swordfish steaks topped with herbs.

One of my all time favorite types of seafood is swordfish, especially grilled swordfish. This mild flavored delicacy soaks up all of the flavors in the marinade, and pairs perfectly with a variety of starch and vegetable options.

How do you make grilled swordfish?

To make the marinade, whisk together olive oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic, lemon zest and fresh herbs. Reserve some of the marinade for later use. Place swordfish steaks in the marinade, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours. Cook the swordfish on a grill until done, then brush with reserved marinade and serve.

Raw fish fillets on a plate.

How do you know if swordfish is done?

Swordfish is done when the flesh has turned opaque and flakes easily with a fork. It’s important not to overcook your fish, or it can become dry. You can also gauge if your fish is done by using a thermometer. A probe inserted into the thickest part of the fish should read 145 degrees F.

Swordfish steaks in a garlic and herb marinade.

Tips for the perfect fish

  • This marinade can be made up to 3 days before you plan to use it. Simply store the marinade in the fridge until you’re ready to add your swordfish. The olive oil may solidify in the fridge, if this happens, leave the marinade at room temperature for about 20 minutes before you use it.
  • You can use other types of seafood in this marinade such as halibut, salmon, shrimp and scallops.
  • I use a microplane to quickly grate my lemon zest.
  • You can use whatever herbs you have on hand such as green onions, basil or dill.
  • I typically grill my swordfish outdoors when the weather is nice, and indoors on a non stick grill pan on cold days. Either way will work just fine!

Swordfish steaks cooked on a grill pan.

HOW TO KEEP FISH FROM STICKING TO THE GRILL

If you’re using an outdoor grill, you’ll want to take care to make sure that your fish does not stick to the grates.

  • Make sure your grill grates are very clean. If there are bits of old food left on the grilling surface, the swordfish will be more likely to stick.
  • Brush your grill grates with vegetable oil before you place the fish on the grill.
  • Make sure your grill is pre-heated before you add the fish.

Grilled swordfish served with couscous and asparagus.

Is grilled swordfish healthy?

Swordfish is a great choice for a healthy diet. It’s low in calories, fat and carbs, and high in protein. This variety of fish contains many nutrients such as Vitamin B12, zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids.

I typically serve my swordfish with rice or pasta, and add a green vegetable on the side such as asparagus or broccoli. This is a simple yet totally satisfying meal that the whole family will love!

More grilling recipes to try

  • Grilled Vegetables
  • Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
  • Garlic and Herb Grilled Zucchini
  • Grilled Eggplant
  • Marinated Grilled Chicken Wings

Grilled Swordfish Video

A plate of grilled swordfish steaks topped with herbs.
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5 from 25 votes

Grilled Swordfish

This grilled swordfish is marinated in lemon, garlic, olive oil and herbs, then seared on the grill until golden brown. The absolute best way to prepare swordfish, this dinner is easy yet elegant.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 295kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 4 swordfish steaks 4-6 ounces each
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
  • lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Place the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl or resealable bag. Whisk to thoroughly combine.
  • Reserve 1 tablespoon of the marinade for later use. Add the garlic to the marinade and stir.
  • Add the swordfish to the marinade.
  • Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
  • Remove the swordfish from the marinade and scrape off any excess bits of herbs or garlic (otherwise they could burn on the grill!).
  • Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium high heat. Add the swordfish steaks and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until swordfish is opaque throughout.
  • Brush the reserved marinade over the fish, then serve immediately, with lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 606mg | Potassium: 725mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 252IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
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Filed Under: Dinner, Grilling

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    Comments

    1. Sherri says

      September 3, 2021 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      First time with sword fish. Not always available and a little pricey so I figured I needed to follow a recipe. I followed yours. Wonderful. Thank you. I tend not to like strong flavored fish and this added just enough other flavors to even things out. Fabulous.

      Reply
      • Sherri says

        September 3, 2021 at 4:50 pm

        We did not add the salt. No one added salt at the table. It was perfect without the addition.

        Reply
    2. Carol says

      August 10, 2021 at 3:49 pm

      Tasty, but even with low sodium soy sauce, the marinade does not need any additional salt.

      Reply
    3. Lauren says

      July 25, 2021 at 11:04 am

      Hello, I can’t wait to try this recipe tonight. I was wondering if you also have a recipe for the couscous it is plated on in the photo? I tried searching couscous on your site but didn’t see it. I am on mobile so I may have overlooked it. Thank you very much

      Reply
      • Sara says

        July 25, 2021 at 7:34 pm

        It’s a box of near east brand couscous mix with parsley in it!

        Reply
    4. Donna says

      June 25, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent! Marinated the fish for about 2 hours, grilled total of 11 minutes. Absolutely delicious. My husband is not a big fan of fish, he loved this. It’s a keeper.

      Reply
    5. Mary says

      May 13, 2021 at 8:17 pm

      5 stars
      My first time making swordfish. I followed your easy directions and it came out perfect!

      Reply
    6. RUTHIE BRAWN says

      May 8, 2021 at 12:01 pm

      I am going to try this soon as my grill is set up for this summer. I previously have always used zesty Italian dressing as a marinade and probably will now just for convenience because it has always worked well for us and it tastes fantastic. Plus I don’t have to worry about separation of oils, etc. Enjoy no matter what we use anyway!

      Reply
    7. Tom says

      May 8, 2021 at 4:12 am

      5 stars
      The marinade, swordfish and charcoal flavor from the grill married perfectly together. Easy, elegant, excellent!

      Reply
    8. jerri blair says

      April 27, 2021 at 8:12 am

      Can I use frozen swordfish steaks?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        April 27, 2021 at 9:25 pm

        Yes just thaw them first!

        Reply
    9. Barbara Key says

      March 31, 2021 at 6:05 am

      5 stars
      Such a simple dish but absolutely fantastic. Made a lovely quick and flavoursome lunch for the two of us, on a frying pan in the kitchen. However will definitely be making this on the BBQ when we have guests. Will make a easy but elegant dish . Superb thank you.

      Reply
    10. Jean says

      February 28, 2021 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      Outstanding! Can’t wait to make again!

      Reply
    11. Claudia says

      August 28, 2020 at 5:34 am

      5 stars
      This swordfish recipe it’s absolutely delicious!!
      A lot a taste , juice ! Love it

      Reply
    12. Aimee Shugarman says

      July 17, 2020 at 5:31 am

      5 stars
      This was my first time making swordfish. Won’t be the last. It was DELICIOUS.

      Reply
    13. Beth says

      July 16, 2020 at 8:57 pm

      5 stars
      Swordfish is one of my favorites! This recipe is so flavor filled and absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to make this again!

      Reply
    14. Lisalia says

      July 16, 2020 at 7:18 pm

      5 stars
      This was my first time trying swordfish. WOW so delicious! Thank you for introducing me to this new seafood. It turned out perfectly from following your recipe and instructions.

      Reply
    15. Marilyn singer says

      July 7, 2020 at 3:30 pm

      How long should it cook indoors frying pan

      Reply
      • Sara says

        July 7, 2020 at 3:49 pm

        4-5 minutes per side over medium high heat or until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork!

        Reply
    16. Kerri says

      July 2, 2020 at 1:50 pm

      I’ve got to get out and go find some swordfish now! Delish!

      Reply
    17. Kevin says

      July 2, 2020 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good swordfish! This looks great!

      Reply
    18. Allyson Zea says

      July 2, 2020 at 11:57 am

      5 stars
      This turned out so flavorful, and it was also so easy!

      Reply
    19. Dorothy Reinhold says

      July 2, 2020 at 9:01 am

      Dishes like this make grilling season my favorite! I can’t wait to fire up the grill!

      Reply
    20. Beth says

      July 1, 2020 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      I made this last night for my daughter and I. It was so tasty and the marinade made all the difference keeping the fish from drying out on the grill. Delicious!

      Reply
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