Description
Ina Garten’s grilled swordfish recipe promises Mediterranean-inspired seafood perfection with lemon and herbs. Simple ingredients and expert techniques create a delightful main course you can easily prepare at home for an impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 swordfish steaks (½-inch-thick, 5 to 6 oz each)
- 4 oz baby arugula
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsps minced fresh oregano leaves or 1 tsp dried oregano
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Grill Preparation: Heat grill to high intensity using charcoal, gas, or stovetop grill, ensuring optimal searing temperature.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk together oregano, red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl to craft a vibrant flavor base.
- Fish Grilling: Season swordfish fillets with salt and pepper, then place on hot grill. Sear for 2 minutes until golden brown and slightly charred, then flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, maintaining moisture and ensuring proper doneness.
- Flavor Infusion: Pierce fish surface with fork to enhance marinade absorption, then immediately drench hot swordfish with prepared lemon sauce. Cover with aluminum foil and rest for 5 minutes to maximize tenderness and flavor penetration.
- Plating and Presentation: Arrange swordfish on serving dishes, crown with peppery arugula leaves, drizzle remaining fish sauce, and garnish with delicate lemon zest. Serve warm and enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience.
Notes
- Grill Temperature Matters: High heat is crucial for achieving a perfect golden-brown sear and creating delicious caramelized exterior on swordfish without overcooking.
- Marinate Strategically: Perforate fish surface with a fork after grilling to enhance marinade absorption, allowing deeper flavor penetration and improved tenderness.
- Rest and Recover: Let grilled swordfish rest under aluminum foil for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in moisture and ensure juicy, succulent texture.
- Zest for Brightness: Freshly grated lemon zest adds vibrant, citrusy notes that elevate the overall flavor profile and complement the fish’s rich taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg