Experience the delightful flavors of the Mediterranean with this herb marinated grilled swordfish recipe. The combination of fresh herbs and zesty lemon juice creates a marinade that perfectly complements the rich, meaty texture of the swordfish. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a special dinner at home.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you may need to pick up fresh parsley and basil if you don't already have them on hand. Fresh herbs are key to achieving the vibrant flavor of the marinade. Additionally, make sure you have high-quality swordfish steaks, which can usually be found at the seafood counter of your local supermarket.

Ingredients For Herb Marinated Grilled Swordfish
Olive oil: A rich, flavorful oil that forms the base of the marinade and helps to keep the fish moist during grilling.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the swordfish.
Garlic: Minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic element to the marinade.
Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
Basil: Fresh basil brings a sweet, aromatic note to the marinade.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish and the marinade.
Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice and complexity.
Swordfish: Thick, meaty steaks that are perfect for grilling and absorb the flavors of the marinade beautifully.
Technique Tip for Grilling Swordfish
When marinating swordfish, ensure the marinade evenly coats each steak by turning them a few times during the marination period. This helps the flavors penetrate the fish more deeply. Additionally, pat the fish dry with a paper towel before placing it on the grill to achieve a nice sear and prevent sticking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and mild flavor, making it a good alternative for grilling.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor that complements the fish well.
Minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though it is less pungent than fresh garlic.
Chopped fresh parsley - Substitute with chopped fresh cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that pairs well with fish.
Chopped fresh basil - Substitute with chopped fresh oregano: Oregano has a robust flavor that can stand up to grilling and complements the other herbs.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of seasoning with a slightly different mineral content.
Freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to achieve a similar level of spiciness.
Swordfish - Substitute with mahi-mahi: Mahi-mahi has a firm texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative for grilling.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the swordfish to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
- Place the cooled swordfish steaks in an airtight container. If stacking, separate each steak with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
- To freeze, wrap each swordfish steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- For best quality, consume frozen swordfish within 2-3 months. Beyond this, the texture and flavor may degrade.
- When ready to use, thaw the swordfish in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
- Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil to maintain moisture.
- Avoid microwaving as it can make the swordfish rubbery and unevenly heated.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the swordfish steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method ensures the fish remains moist and flavorful.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter to the pan. Place the swordfish steaks in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method helps retain the fish's moisture and enhances its flavor.
Microwave Method: Place the swordfish steaks on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap steam. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the fish.
Steaming Method: Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Place the swordfish steaks in the basket, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. This gentle method helps maintain the fish's delicate texture and flavor.
Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, preheat it to 130°F (54°C). Place the swordfish steaks in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method. Submerge in the water bath and heat for about 30 minutes. This method ensures even reheating without drying out the fish.
Best Tools for Grilling Swordfish
Mixing bowl: Use this to whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk: This will help you combine the marinade ingredients thoroughly.
Shallow dish: Place the swordfish steaks in this dish to marinate them evenly.
Refrigerator: Use this to chill the marinating swordfish for at least 30 minutes.
Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat to cook the swordfish steaks.
Tongs: These will help you turn the swordfish steaks on the grill without breaking them.
Fork: Use this to check if the fish flakes easily, indicating it is done.
Serving platter: Transfer the grilled swordfish to this for serving immediately.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare the marinade in advance: Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper the night before to save time on the day of grilling.
Use a resealable bag: Place the swordfish steaks and marinade in a resealable plastic bag for easy coating and cleanup.
Preheat the grill: Start preheating your grill while the swordfish is marinating to save time.
Multitask: While the swordfish is marinating, prepare any side dishes or salads to serve with the meal.

Herb Marinated Grilled Swordfish
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
Swordfish
- 4 steaks Swordfish about 6 oz each
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Place swordfish steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove swordfish from marinade and discard the marinade.
- Grill swordfish steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Grilled Mahi Mahi in Thai Coconut Sauce Recipe35 Minutes
- Grilled Shrimp and Apple Skewers Recipe25 Minutes
- Grilled Nectarines Recipe15 Minutes
- Grilled Potato Wedges Recipe30 Minutes
- Grilled Boudin with Onions Peppers and Mushrooms Recipe30 Minutes
- Grilled Shrimp with Tomato Sauce Recipe25 Minutes
- Texas BBQ Beef Ribs Recipe3 Hours 20 Minutes
- Grilled Radicchio Recipe20 Minutes
Leave a Reply