Grilled Swordfish with Lemon Herb Butter and Mediterranean Salsa

Welcome to the inaugural post of Lindgren-Pitman’s Ocean Recipes blog! To celebrate 50 years of excellence, we’re starting with a dish that embodies the ocean’s best: Grilled Swordfish with Lemon Herb Butter and Mediterranean Salsa. Swordfish, known for its firm, meaty texture, is a fantastic centerpiece for any seafood feast. Paired with a zesty herb butter and a vibrant Mediterranean salsa, this dish is both simple and gourmet—a perfect way to impress guests or treat yourself.

Now, let me take you back to the day I caught my first swordfish. It was one of those perfect mornings, the sun just peeking over the horizon, casting golden light across the water. After what felt like an epic 20-minute battle, I finally reeled in the fish of a lifetime—my very first swordfish. The adrenaline from that moment was still rushing through me as I thought about how I’d cook this prize back home. My wife and kids were already expecting something spectacular, so I knew I had to step up my game. That’s when I realized the true challenge wasn’t in catching the fish, but in cooking it just right.

Inspired by that day, I crafted this recipe, which brings out the best flavors in swordfish while keeping it simple enough to enjoy at home. Let’s dive into the recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Swordfish:

• 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Lemon Herb Butter:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mediterranean Salsa:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Swordfish:

• Pat the swordfish steaks dry with a paper towel.
• Drizzle olive oil over the fish and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Lemon Herb Butter:

• In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the butter mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap, form it into a log, and refrigerate until firm.

3. Make the Mediterranean Salsa:

• In a medium bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, capers, and parsley.
• Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together and set aside for the flavors to meld.

4. Grill the Swordfish:

• Place the swordfish steaks on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. The fish should have nice grill marks and be opaque throughout.
• Remove from the grill and let rest for a minute or two.

5. Serve:

• Slice the chilled lemon herb butter and place a pat on top of each grilled swordfish steak, allowing it to melt over the warm fish.
• Serve with the Mediterranean salsa on the side and garnish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

Pro Tips:

• Swordfish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal texture.
• You can also cook swordfish on a stovetop grill pan if outdoor grilling isn’t an option.

Why Swordfish?

Swordfish is one of the ocean’s most prized catches—its firm texture makes it perfect for grilling, and its mild flavor pairs well with bold herbs and citrus. Choosing sustainably sourced swordfish is not only better for the environment but also ensures you’re getting the best quality seafood.

Wine Pairing:

A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the richness of the swordfish and the bright flavors of the salsa.

Wrapping It Up:

This grilled swordfish recipe is a celebration of quality ingredients and sustainable fishing. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, it's a dish that’s sure to impress. Stay tuned for more recipes that bring the flavors of the ocean to your table.

Don’t forget to share your creations with us on Instagram using #LindgrenPitmanOceanRecipes!