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Grilled swordfish steak with lemon and capers

Meaty swordfish steaks with lemon-caper sauce

Grilled Swordfish Steaks

Grilled Swordfish Steaks

20 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

10 min

Total Time

20 min

Servings

4

4 steaks

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Premium

$$$

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Grilled Swordfish Steaks

Meaty swordfish steaks with lemon-caper sauce

Thick swordfish steaks grilled until firm and flaky with beautiful grill marks, topped with a bright lemon-caper sauce. Steakhouse-quality seafood at home.

10m

Prep Time

10m

Cook Time

20m

Total Time

4

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Premium $$$

Cost

Italian CuisineMediterranean CuisineMain CourseGluten-FreeKeto
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

February 17, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

Swordfish is one of the best fish for grilling thanks to its dense, meaty texture that holds up perfectly over high heat. It barely needs more than olive oil and bold seasoning.

Why This Recipe Works

The firm, steak-like texture of swordfish means it wont fall apart on the grill like delicate fish. Its mild flavor is a perfect canvas for bold Mediterranean sauces.

Ingredients

  • 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each, 1 inch thick)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, pepper, and fresh oregano
PrecisionUtility

Test Kitchen Pick

Thermometer

Helpful Tool

Why a thermometer helps here

This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.

The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.

  • Makes doneness more repeatable
  • Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein

If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.

Shop thermometer options for this recipe

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat swordfish dry and brush with 2 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.

  2. 2

    Preheat grill to high heat and oil the grates well.

  3. 3

    Grill steaks 4-5 minutes per side without moving until grill marks form and fish is opaque throughout.

  4. 4

    While fish grills, warm remaining olive oil with garlic and capers in a small pan. Add lemon juice off heat.

  5. 5

    Plate swordfish and spoon the lemon-caper sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh oregano.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping

  • Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil

  • Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette

Substitutions

SwordfishMahi mahi or halibut steaks

Slightly more delicate but grill well

CapersChopped green olives

Similar briny, tangy flavor

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Olive Oil

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the olive oil matters

On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.

This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.

  • Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
  • Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure

A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.

Shop olive oil for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Swordfish dries out quickly—remove it from the grill when barely opaque in the center.

  • Let steaks come to room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Good cold over salads.

Reheating

Best served fresh. If needed, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (70mg) · 4 servings

Calories310
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein34g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat2g
Fiber420mg
Sugar0g
Sodium0g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is swordfish safe to eat?
Yes, but limit consumption due to mercury content—one serving per week is fine.
What fish can I substitute?
Mahi mahi, tuna steaks, or halibut are excellent alternatives.

Explore More

More Italian RecipesMore Mediterranean RecipesMore Main CourseGluten-Free RecipesKeto RecipesGrill Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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