Grilled Swordfish with Lemon-Herb Marinade & Salsa

Looking for simple grilling ideas? This grilled swordfish with lemon-herb marinade and tomato-basil salsa is restaurant-worthy, yet easy to make! Get ready to impress.

Alright, let's get this BBQ party started!

Recipe Introduction: Grilling Ideas for Swordfish

Ever find yourself stuck in a grilling ideas rut, churning out the same old burgers and sausages? Honestly, me too! That's why I'm buzzing to share this recipe.

This grilled swordfish with lemon-herb marinade and tomato-basil salsa is about to blow your bbq guests away. this recipe is proper fancy and is still easy enough for a weeknight grilled dinner .

A Taste of the Mediterranean

Swordfish steaks are your ticket to a quick and healthy meal. this dish is inspired by the mediterranean, where simple, fresh flavors are everything .

It's a little bit cheffy, but totally achievable for the average home cook, like you and me.

This recipe is medium-difficulty, takes about an hour total (including marinating), and serves four hungry people. Perfect for a chicken dinner recipes , but with fish!

What’s So Great About It?

Swordfish is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. So you're treating your body and your tastebuds. And honestly, it's just dead simple .

Serving this up at your next garden party? you'll look like you've spent hours slaving away. but you would have only spent 30 minutes, i won't tell if you don't! this dish is special because it's elegant but approachable.

It's a showstopper without being a headache.

Time to gather up the goodies. Next up, the ingredient list. I've included some sneaky swaps you can make if you are in a pinch!

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this brilliant grilled swordfish recipe. No fancy chef skills required, promise!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

Right, so before we get started grilling , let's make sure we've got all our bits and bobs in order.

No one wants to be halfway through a recipe and realise they're missing something crucial. trust me, i’ve been there.

Main Ingredients: Getting the Good Stuff

• Swordfish Steaks: You want 4 steaks, each around 6 ounces (170g) and about an inch thick. Don’t skimp on quality here. Look for firm, moist steaks that smell fresh, not fishy. I know you'll want some grilled dinner on the table pronto so make sure is fresh!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) for the fish. 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the salsa. Go for extra virgin olive oil, it gives it a good flavour.
• Lemon: You'll need 1 lemon, for both zest and juice in the marinade.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, obviously .
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh, plus extra for garnish if you're feeling fancy.
• Oregano: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh. If you only have dried use 1 teaspoon.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of a kick).
• Ripe Tomatoes: 2 cups (340g) , diced for the salsa. Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes.
• Fresh Basil: ½ cup (15g) chopped, for the salsa.
• Red Onion: ¼ cup (30g) finely diced, for the salsa.
• Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , for the salsa.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for everything.

Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch

The lemon-herb combo is a total winner here. it's bright, fresh, and really complements the flavour of the swordfish. don't be shy with the garlic either! you know, feel free to adapt to your own needs.

• Essential Spice Combinations: Lemon, garlic, and herbs (parsley, oregano, thyme) are the stars here. Don't skip them!
• Flavour Enhancers and Aromatics: Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat if you're into that kind of thing.
• Quick Substitution Options: If you don't have fresh oregano, use dried (about 1 teaspoon). If the vinegar in your salsa is making you grimace, just add a little sugar to tone it down. If you want Keto Desserts instead, go get some strawberries! Or maybe you’re craving Chicken Skewers or Garlic Parmesan Chicken for a simple but satisfying Grilled Chicken Recipes . There are tones of Chicken Dishes Recipes out there! Or you can have Chicken Dinner Recipes or even Chicken Breast Recipes instead of the fish, if that is the case. There is no limit to Kabob Recipes you can find! The only limit is your imagination and your freezer.

Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple

Listen, you don't need a kitchen full of gadgets for this grilling ideas . Here's the bare minimum:

• Grill: Gas or charcoal, whatever you've got. Make sure you have enough fuel!
• Grill Brush: For cleaning the grates. Seriously, clean your grates!
• Small Mixing Bowls: For the marinade and salsa.
• Large Resealable Bag or Shallow Dish: For marinating the swordfish.
• Tongs: For flipping the fish.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: (Optional, but recommended) Honestly, get one of these. It's a game-changer for cooking fish. If you don’t have one, a common household alternative is to use a fork and gently flake it!

That's it! Ready to get grilling?

Grilled Swordfish: Mediterranean Sunshine on a Plate

Right, let's talk grilling ideas . i was watching saturday kitchen the other day, and it got me thinking. we need some grilled dinner inspiration that's a bit fancier than your average burger.

Enter: grilled swordfish with lemon-herb marinade and a tomato-basil salsa! it is a quick chicken dinner recipes idea. honestly, this dish is like a holiday on a plate.

Think sunshine and fresh flavours, and it's surprisingly easy to pull off.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

This ain't bake off, but a bit of mise en place goes a long way. dice your tomatoes, chop your herbs, mince that garlic.

Get it all prepped before you even think about firing up the grill. this ensures everything comes together smoothly. get your kabob recipes ready for another time! oh, and safety first, people! keep raw fish away from everything else.

Step-by-Step: Swordfish Grilling Bliss

1. Marinade Time: Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, the zest and juice of 1 lemon , 2 minced cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 teaspoon thyme, red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!), salt, and pepper.
2. Fishy Bath: Plonk the swordfish steaks into a bag or dish. Drench them in that lovely marinade. Let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes , up to an hour.
3. Salsa Magic: While the fish marinates, mix 2 cups diced tomatoes, ½ cup chopped basil, ¼ cup diced red onion, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pop this to the side
4. Grill Power: Preheat that grill to medium-high heat – around 375- 400° F ( 190- 205° C ). Scrub those grates clean!
5. Swordfish Showdown: Remove the fish from the marinade. Chuck it on the hot grill.
6. Cooking Time: Cook for 4- 6 minutes per side. You are looking for an internal temperature of 145° F (63° C ). Fish should flake easily. Don't overcook!
7. Rest Up: Remove the swordfish and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Important this.
8. Serve Up: Top with that glorious Tomato-Basil Salsa and a sprinkle of extra parsley. Boom!

Pro Tips: Grilling Like a Boss

Honestly, the biggest thing is to not overcook the swordfish. it goes dry quicker than you think! use a thermometer! before you put the fish on, lightly oil the grill grates to stop it sticking.

For a twist use garlic parmesan chicken marinade. for the keto desserts people out there, a side of grilled halloumi would be great! another grilling ideas option would be chicken skewers

We don’t want that, do we?

Honestly, this recipe is a real winner. it’s easy enough for a weeknight, but fancy enough to impress your mates.

Plus, it's a healthy chicken breast recipes option. give it a go and let me know what you think! you might want to turn this grilling ideas recipe into chicken dishes recipes or grilled chicken recipes .

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty. Here’s the lowdown on making this grilled swordfish recipe your own. I've tried it a bunch of ways, so listen up!

Recipe Notes: Making This Swordfish Yours

Plating & Presentation: Making It Look Like a Pro!

Honestly, presentation does matter. a simple trick? swirl some pesto on the plate before adding the fish. garnish with a sprig of basil.

Bam! instant restaurant vibes. serve this grilled dinner at your next dinner party to wow your guests.

For sides, consider serving grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon juice. it’s a classic! a light quinoa salad is also amazing.

For drinks, a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc just sings with this dish.

Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh

Right, so you've got leftovers? first, get that swordfish into an airtight container. pop it in the fridge, and it’ll be good for up to 2 days.

Reheating? gently . a low oven (about 275° f/ 135° c) works best. microwaving is a no-no unless you like rubbery fish.

No one does!

Freezing? Eh, I wouldn't. Grilled fish doesn't usually freeze well. It gets kinda weird. Best to eat it fresh.

Variation Station: Twisting It Up!

Want to mix it up a bit? if you're into keto desserts consider ending the meal with a lemon and almond flour cake for a lighter, low-carb finish.

For a chicken dinner recipes alternative, you could try chicken skewers with a similar lemon-herb marinade.

You can totally adapt this recipe for different diets!

• Low Carb/Keto: Swap the red wine vinegar in the salsa for apple cider vinegar. Keep the tomato amount moderate.
• Seasonal Swap: In the winter, try a blood orange salsa instead of tomato. Adds a great zing!

We have a Grilled Chicken Recipes twist for you; try this marinade with chicken. Consider making some Chicken Skewers or Chicken Dishes Recipes and make it a Kabob Recipes meal.

Nutrition Nuggets: Fueling Your Body

Okay, quick and dirty nutrition breakdown (per serving, roughly): Calories around 350, Protein clocks in at about 40g, Fat is around 18g, Carbs? Just 5g! It's a pretty healthy choice.

Swordfish is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is great for your heart and brain. Just watch out for mercury levels, especially if you're pregnant.

Honestly, this recipe is so versatile. It's about finding your favorite way to grill and enjoy! Now go fire up that grill and get cooking! Don't forget to come back and tell me about your grilling ideas ! You can also try using this on some Garlic Parmesan Chicken or Chicken Breast Recipes !

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good grilling ideas if I don't want to use swordfish? Can I substitute another type of fish?

Absolutely! If swordfish isn't your cup of tea, or if you can't find it, tuna steaks are an excellent substitute as they have a similar density and cook similarly. Other sturdy fish like mahi-mahi or even thick-cut salmon would work too. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly; you want to aim for that lovely flaky texture without drying it out, so keep a close eye on it!

How can I stop the swordfish from sticking to the grill? I always seem to have this problem!

Ah, the dreaded sticking fish! This is a classic grilling woe, but easily avoided. The key is to ensure your grill grates are super clean and well-oiled before you even think about putting the fish on. Before preheating, scrub the grates clean, then lightly oil them with a high-smoke-point oil like canola or grapeseed using a folded paper towel held with tongs. You can also lightly brush the fish with oil too.

What if I don't have fresh basil for the Tomato-Basil Salsa? Is it okay to use dried basil?

While fresh basil really elevates the salsa, dried basil can be used in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every ½ cup of fresh chopped basil. Just remember that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so a little goes a long way. But honestly, if you can get your hands on some fresh basil, even from a supermarket, it'll make a world of difference! Think of it as the difference between a cuppa and a fancy barista-made coffee – both work, but one's just a bit special!

What's the best way to store leftover grilled swordfish and salsa?

Leftovers? If you must! Store the grilled swordfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The Tomato-Basil Salsa is best stored separately, also in an airtight container, and will also last for about 2 days. Keep in mind that the salsa might get a little watery over time, but the flavor will still be great. Reheat the swordfish gently; a quick zap in the microwave or a very low oven is best to prevent it from drying out.

Any vegetarian grilling ideas to serve alongside this grilled swordfish?

Definitely! Since this is a recipe featuring grilled swordfish, not all guests will be keen. Grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon is a classic and simple choice. Corn on the cob, brushed with a chili-lime butter, is always a crowd-pleaser. For something more substantial, try grilling halloumi skewers with cherry tomatoes and zucchini. Or a simple Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Cucumber, Red Onion, and Feta is nice.

Can you give me some other creative grilling ideas for marinades I can use?

Marinades are your best friends when it comes to grilling! Instead of Lemon-Herb, try a Teriyaki marinade with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian twist. A Spicy Chipotle marinade with adobo peppers, lime juice, and cumin adds a smoky kick. Or how about a Honey-Mustard marinade with Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavor? Feel free to experiment and create your own signature blend!

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