Pan-Seared Swordfish Steaks with Lemon-Herb Butter

Want to know how to cook swordfish steaks *perfectly*? This pan-seared recipe with lemon-herb butter is quick, easy, and restaurant-quality delicious. Get the simple swordfish steak recipe! ... Quick & Easy Meals
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to cook swordfish steaks like a pro? I did. This swordfish steak recipe is all about achieving that perfect sear and flavour. It's lemony, herby and utterly delicious, honestly.
Brief Overview
Swordfish recipes pan seared are surprisingly simple, despite their fancy restaurant reputation. This beauty takes about 25 minutes, start to finish. It serves two hungry souls.
Main Benefits
This recipe is packed with protein, and it's a great way to enjoy healthy fats. this pan seared swordfish recipe makes any meal feel special.
What makes it extra special? the bright, fresh lemon-herb butter, of course.
Wanna know the best way to cook swordfish steaks?
Pan-Seared Swordfish Steaks with Lemon-Herb Butter Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Let's Talk Swordfish Recipes Pan Seared
This simple swordfish steak recipe is totally inspired by the Mediterranean coast. Think sunshine, fresh herbs, and the tangy zing of lemon. It's proper delicious.
It's easy-medium difficulty, which is just another way of saying, don't stress if you're not a culinary genius. honestly, if i can do it, you can too! i was once terrified of cooking fish.
Now, look at me go!
We're talking about two perfect servings of garlic herb swordfish steaks . Perfect for date night, or a fancy tea for you, yourself, and you.
Alright, let's get on with the easy swordfish recipes and dive into the ingredients. Don't worry, they are simple too.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for these amazing Pan-Seared Swordfish Steaks with Lemon-Herb Butter . Honestly, it's simpler than you think! I promise.

Ingredients & Equipment Deets
Let's break down everything you need for this swordfish steak recipe .
Main Ingredients
- Swordfish: 2 steaks, about 1 -inch thick ( 6 oz / 170g each). Get the good stuff! Look for firm, moist steaks. Avoid anything that smells overly fishy. A good quality swordfish is key .
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ).
- Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) for cooking the steaks.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.
- Unsalted Butter (Lemon-Herb Butter): 4 tablespoons , softened ( 57g ). This is the star .
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). Gotta have that zing!
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon , finely chopped ( 15 ml ).
- Fresh Chives: 1 tablespoon , finely chopped ( 15 ml ).
- Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ). Smells divine, right?
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1 ml ).
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch. Optional, but I love the kick.
I usually grab my swordfish from the local fishmonger. They always have the freshest cuts. You know? Super important for recipes for swordfish steaks .
Seasoning Notes
This lemon-herb butter? oh my gosh, it's the perfect combo. lemon, parsley, chives…it just works. garlic powder adds a little depth.
Red pepper flakes? just a hint of heat. the best way to cook swordfish steaks is by keeping it simple.
If you don't have chives or parsley, dill or tarragon will do in a pinch. honestly, feel free to experiment.
I once used rosemary, and it was chef's kiss . you can even try making garlic herb swordfish steaks by adding some minced garlic directly into the butter!
Equipment Needed
Okay, equipment time. Don't panic.
- Large Skillet: Cast iron or stainless steel is ideal . But a regular skillet will work. The hotter the better for that pan seared swordfish recipe .
- Small Bowl: For the butter.
- Whisk or Fork: To mix the butter.
- Fish Spatula: Helps flip without breaking the fish.
- Meat Thermometer: Optional , but recommended. Aim for 145° F ( 63° C) .
No fish spatula? a regular spatula works just fine. my first time making pan fried swordfish steaks recipe , i used a pancake turner! it was a bit award, but hey, it worked.
Don't sweat it if you are trying to find easy swordfish recipes .
I was thinking, you know, this swordfish with lemon butter sauce is seriously impressive, but easy to make. We can say that this is a simple swordfish steak recipe .
Let's Cook Some Amazing Swordfish!
Alright folks, fancy learning how to cook swordfish steaks like a pro? honestly, it's easier than you think. we're going to make a super tasty pan-seared swordfish recipe with a crazy good lemon-herb butter.
Forget boring fish; this is restaurant-worthy stuff right here. i remember the first time i tried swordfish - thought it was chicken it was so meaty! anyway, let's dive in, yeah?
Prep Like a Boss
- Essential Mise en Place: Get your swordfish steaks out. Measure your herbs and lemon juice. Soften your butter!
- Time-Saving Organization Tips: Mix the lemon-herb butter ahead of time. Seriously, do it. It takes like 2 minutes. It's a game-changer!
- Safety Reminders: Watch out for hot oil! Seriously, it spits. Always pat the fish dry before searing.
Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step
- Whip up the Lemon-Herb Butter : Mix the softened butter, lemon juice, herbs, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Season the Swordfish : Pat the steaks dry. Then, season generously with salt and pepper. Don't be shy!
- Heat the Skillet : Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Swordfish : Sear for 3- 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. A good thermometer is your friend for this part to test Best Way To Cook Swordfish Steaks !
- Add the Magic Butter : During the last minute, spoon the lemon-herb butter over the Garlic Herb Swordfish Steaks .
- Rest and Serve : Let the swordfish rest for a couple minutes. Then, spoon the remaining butter on top and serve!
Pro Tips and Tricks for Pan Fried Swordfish Steaks Recipe
- Expert Tip: Don't overcook the Simple Swordfish Steak Recipe ! It will dry out. Use a thermometer; 145° F ( 63° C) is your target.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if you need to!
- Make-Ahead Option: The lemon-herb butter can be made days in advance! It's also great for chicken or anything, honestly.
So there you have it! now you know how to cook swordfish steaks that will have everyone raving. it really is one of the easy swordfish recipes to have in your arsenal.
Enjoy! there are so many recipes for swordfish steaks out there, but this swordfish steak recipe truly stands out. and if you want to switch it up you can try our swordfish with lemon butter sauce recipe that just elevate the taste of the fish.
Recipe Notes
So, you wanna know how to cook swordfish steaks like a pro? brilliant. let's dive into some important bits and bobs, yeah? think of these as little cheat sheets to ensure your pan seared swordfish recipe turns out perfect every time.
I have some real treasure here, based on my experience.
Serving Ideas That Pop!
Let’s talk presentation, darling. You’ve slaved over those Recipes For Swordfish Steaks and you want them to shine.
- Plating wise, I reckon a smear of vibrant pesto underneath the Garlic Herb Swordfish Steaks looks posh. A few lemon wedges are essential too. They add a splash of colour and tangy zest.
- For sides, think summery. Grilled asparagus is a classic. A light quinoa salad with tomatoes and cucumbers is banging too. And for the grown-ups? A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Pure class.
Storage Secrets
Right, listen up! Knowing how to cook swordfish steaks is one thing, knowing how to store leftovers properly is a whole other ball game.
- If you have any leftover Pan Fried Swordfish Steaks Recipe, get them into an airtight container pronto. Pop them in the fridge. They're good for up to 2 days.
- Freezing? Not ideal, honestly. Swordfish can get a bit tough, you know? If you must, wrap them tightly in cling film, then foil, and freeze for up to a month.
- Reheating? Gentle does it. A low oven or a quick pan-sear is your best bet. Don't microwave them unless you fancy rubbery fish.
Little Tweaks and Twists
Fancy making my Simple Swordfish Steak Recipe your own? Go on then!
- For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil. Easy peasy!
- Got a glut of herbs in the garden? Chuck 'em in. Dill, tarragon, thyme – all brilliant alternatives. Play around with them!
- Seasonal? Swap the lemon for lime. Equally great.
Nutrition Know-How
Alright, here's the lowdown on the health side of things with Swordfish with Lemon Butter Sauce .
- Each serving is roughly 400 calories.
- Packing around 45 grams of protein. That's a lot.
- It's got about 25 grams of fat.
- The key health benefit? Swordfish is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Good for your heart and brain, innit? This is the Best Way To Cook Swordfish Steaks for something that's delicious and nutritious.
So there you have it. A few extra pointers to ensure you nail the Swordfish Steak Recipe every single time. Honestly, you got this! Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my swordfish steak is cooked properly? I don't want to end up with something like shoe leather!
Swordfish is at its best when cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak to check. It's better to slightly undercook it than overcook it, as it will continue to cook a bit as it rests, like a good Sunday roast. Overcooking will make it dry and tough, and nobody wants that!
What's the best way to prepare swordfish steaks so they don't stick to the pan when searing?
The key to preventing sticking is ensuring your pan is hot before adding the swordfish. Heat your oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering. Also, patting the swordfish steaks completely dry with paper towels before seasoning is crucial. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear!
Can I use frozen swordfish steaks for this recipe? And if so, how should I thaw them?
Absolutely! Frozen swordfish steaks are a great option, especially if fresh isn't readily available. For the best results, thaw them slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can affect the texture. Just make sure to pat them extra dry before cooking to remove any excess moisture after thawing.
I'm not a big fan of lemon. What are some other flavour variations I can use when learning how to cook swordfish steaks?
No worries, not everyone's a lemon lover! For a different flavour profile, try making a garlic-herb butter with minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Alternatively, a simple glaze made with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey can create a delicious teriyaki-style swordfish. Get creative and experiment with your favourite flavours! Swordfish is quite versatile.
How long can I store leftover cooked swordfish steaks in the fridge?
Leftover cooked swordfish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down completely before refrigerating it. It's best reheated gently in a pan or the oven to avoid drying it out. You can also enjoy it cold in a salad, like a classy Niçoise!
Is swordfish healthy? I've heard mixed things!
Swordfish is a fantastic source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. However, it can contain higher levels of mercury than some other fish. It's generally safe to consume in moderation (1-2 servings per week), but pregnant women and young children should consult with their doctor about appropriate consumption levels. As with everything, a bit of balance is key!