Easy Grilled Swordfish

Grilled Swordfish Steaks are marinated in a delicious combination of bright and savory flavors, then grilled to perfection with the char marks to prove it. This mouthwatering dish takes just 15 minutes to marinate and 10 minutes on the grill, making for the ultimate healthy main course to any summer meal.

Swordfish is overlooked for more common seafood choices like salmon or shrimp, but let me tell you it’s a serious contender—especially during grilling season. Because it’s one of the meatier types of fish out there, swordfish holds up superbly on the grill. If you’re a steak lover looking to cut back on your red meat intake and increase your omega-3’s, this fish is a pretty great compromise. It's similar to Grilled Mahi Mahi.

This recipe for Grilled Swordfish is easy to make, quick to cook, and tastes absolutely phenomenal. I love pairing it with a salad or grilled vegetables and rice or potatoes for a complete meal that is both ultra satisfying to the palate and nourishing to the body. This dish has turned even the pickiest eaters into seafood lovers and has served me well at a number of social gatherings and family dinners.

Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue, searching for new healthy grilling recipes, or trying to incorporate more fish into your diet, you can’t go wrong with swordfish steaks. Serve this dish alongside a refreshing salad and rice or potatoes for the perfect healthy summertime meal.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

To make this simple and delicious dish, you will need the following key ingredients:

• Swordfish steaks: This meaty fish is loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a fantastic addition to a healthy diet. If you can’t find it at the store, feel free to swap it out for mahi mahi instead.
• Olive oil: This ingredient helps the rest of our marinade ingredients coat the fish and also prevents the fish from sticking to the grill. Avocado oil, melted butter, or coconut oil would also work.
• Lemon juice: The acidity in lemon juice helps to break down the proteins in the fish, which makes it more tender and aids in digestion. It also adds a touch of brightness and enhances the rest of our flavors. Lime juice can be swapped in.
• Soy sauce: This adds a ton of beautiful umami flavors that pair really nicely with most grilled meat marinades. Coconut aminos can also be swapped in.
• Spices: I like to use a simple combination of Italian seasoning or dried rosemary and black pepper, but you can add any herbs and spices you like.

Grilled Swordfish Recipe Ideas

Looking for ways to switch up this recipe or take it over the top? Here are some of my top recommendations:

• Use a different fish: If you can’t find swordfish at the store, feel free to use another grill-friendly fish like salmon, mahi mahi, snapper, or tuna.
• Add fresh herbs: For added brightness and flavor, try adding freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or dill.
• Spice it up: If you’re looking for a little heat, feel free to add a dash of crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You could also add blackening seasoning or Cajun seasoning.
• Add garnish: For a show-stopping presentation, I like to add garnishes that provide both added flavor and a pop of color. Some of my favorite options include fresh parsley, lemon zest, and green onions.
• Serve it with sauce: This dish can be served with a variety of flavorful sauces like chimichurri, mango salsa, lemon butter sauce, and grilled corn salsa.

How to Store Cooked Swordfish

If you have leftovers from this dish, it can easily be stored both in the fridge and in the freezer. I like to use my leftover swordfish as the protein source in salads, rice bowls, and tacos. You will first want to allow it time to cool to room temperature, then you can either wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or secure it in an airtight storage bag. Once properly secured, cooked swordfish can be safely stored in one of two ways:

• In the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• In the freezer for up to 4 months.

Health Benefits of Swordfish

The dense and meaty texture of swordfish makes the fish a popular choice for grilling season. It holds up well to the heat of a grill and tastes amazing. The fish is also loaded with an abundance of protein, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals. Just one 6-ounce serving of swordfish contains over 33 grams of protein. If you’re looking to add more fish to your diet, this one makes a fantastic choice to add to your regimen.

According to Livestrong, these are some of the top health benefits of swordfish:

• Protects the body against free radicals
• Prevents chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease
• Boosts your immunity
• Promotes healthy bones
• Supports stable blood pressure and cholesterol levels

What to serve with grilled fish?

When I am cooking on the grill, I like to make my side dishes there as well. That means easy clean-up and that I am not running from the kitchen to the grill. Salads and make ahead sides are also great options. Here are some favorites:

• Garlic Grilled Broccoli
• Grilled Cauliflower
• Easy Spring Mix Salad
• Fresh Broccoli Salad
• Grilled Asparagus

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this healthy seafood recipe:

How do you know when swordfish is done?

When swordfish is cooked through, it should be browned on the outside and slightly pink on the inside. At the thickest part of the fish, a meat thermometer should read 145°F to ensure that it is fully cooked.

What do you serve with grilled swordfish steaks?

Swordfish can be served with a wide variety of side dishes. Some of my favorite choices include rice, potatoes, salad, and grilled or roasted vegetables.

What is the best fish for grilling?

Firm fish like swordfish, mahi mahi, snapper, salmon, and tuna are known to be the best fish for grilling. Delicate fish like flounder and tilapia don’t hold up very well on a grill and tend to fall apart unless they are secured in foil.

Can you freeze cooked swordfish?

Yes. As with any cooked meat, swordfish should be stored in an airtight storage bag or wrapped tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. When stored properly, cooked swordfish will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 4 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat the fish on the grill, over the stove, or in the oven.

More Grilled Seafood Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll love these:

• Sesame Soy Grilled Tuna
• Grilled Salmon with Honey and Lime
• Garlic Lemon Shrimp Kabobs
• Grilled Cajun Salmon
• Shrimp Tacos