If you’re looking for a simple, yet elegant seafood recipe, look no further than Lemon Garlic Swordfish. This dish combines the richness of swordfish with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon and the bold kick of garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Lemon Garlic Swordfish is a must-try for seafood lovers. Whether you’re new to cooking swordfish or a seasoned chef, this recipe is easy to follow, quick to make, and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With only a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish ready in no time.
- Healthy & Light: Swordfish is a lean source of protein, making this recipe perfect for anyone looking for a healthy meal.
- Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make this dish shine – just the essentials like garlic, lemon, and olive oil.
- Versatile: This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to a simple salad or rice.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a fancy dinner party, this dish fits every occasion.
Ingredients Needed
For this Lemon Garlic Swordfish recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 swordfish steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus zest for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Alternatives:
- For a dairy-free version, you don’t need to make any adjustments, as this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- If you want to make it gluten-free, rest assured this recipe is already gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Swordfish: Pat the swordfish steaks dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Swordfish: Place the swordfish steaks in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should be opaque in the center.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce: In a separate small pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, cooking for another minute. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the cooked swordfish steaks. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sweet Twist: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the garlic-lemon sauce to create a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Grilling Option: If you prefer grilling, brush the swordfish steaks with olive oil and season them before placing them on a preheated grill for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the garlic sauce for a more aromatic flavor profile.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Swordfish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the swordfish in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil. Cover the pan to prevent the fish from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen swordfish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen swordfish steaks. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when swordfish is done cooking?
Swordfish should be opaque and easily flaked with a fork when done. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F (63°C).
What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Swordfish?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, quinoa, or rice. For a light side, try serving it with a lemony arugula salad or sautéed spinach.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Lemon Garlic Swordfish, it’s time to grab your ingredients and get cooking! Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Don’t forget to share your thoughts or tag us on social media when you try this recipe – we’d love to hear what you think. Happy cooking!
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Lemon Garlic Swordfish recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lemon Garlic Swordfish recipe brings together tender swordfish steaks with a tangy, garlic-infused lemon sauce. Perfect for a healthy, weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to make and bursting with flavor. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, you’ll have a delicious seafood dish ready in no time. Whether you’re new to swordfish or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
-
4 swordfish steaks (about 6 oz each)
-
3 tablespoons olive oil
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
Juice of 1 lemon (plus zest for garnish)
-
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Alternatives:
-
For a dairy-free version, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
-
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as well.
Instructions
-
Prep the Swordfish: Pat the swordfish steaks dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
-
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
-
Cook the Swordfish: Place the swordfish steaks in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should be opaque in the center.
-
Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce: In a separate small pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
-
Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, cooking for another minute. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve: Spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the cooked swordfish steaks. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.
Notes
For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Sweet Twist: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the garlic-lemon sauce to create a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Grilling Option: If you prefer grilling, brush the swordfish steaks with olive oil and season them before placing them on a preheated grill for 3-4 minutes per side.
Herb Infusion: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the garlic sauce for a more aromatic flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 swordfish steak
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Swordfish, Swordfish Recipe, Healthy Seafood Recipe, Easy Fish Recipes, Mediterranean Cuisine