A classic Spanish coastal preparation, swordfish steak is seared hot on a plancha until a thin golden crust forms while the inside stays moist and tender. A quick marinade of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and parsley lets the meaty flavor of the fish shine. Serve with lemon wedges and a simple tomato salad for a light Mediterranean meal.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings4
Yield4 servings
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 320 kcalCalories
- 16 gFat
- 3 gSaturated Fat
- 2 gCarbs
- 0 gFiber
- 0 gSugar
- 38 gProtein
- 380 mgSodium
- 540 mgPotassium
- 30 mgCalcium
- 1.5 mgIron
- 9 mgVitamin C
- 45 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the Swordfish
- 4 swordfish steaks, about 6 oz (170 g) each and 1 inch thick
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and 1 tsp zest
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp neutral oil, for the pan
To Finish and Serve
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- Optional: ripe tomatoes sliced with sweet onion for serving
Directions
- Pat the swordfish steaks dry with paper towels so they sear properly. In a shallow glass dish, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add the swordfish and turn to coat on both sides. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Heat a cast-iron plancha, heavy skillet, or grill pan over high heat until very hot, about 3 to 4 minutes. Lightly brush the surface with the neutral oil just before cooking.
- Lay the steaks on the hot surface and do not move them. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until a golden crust forms and the edges turn opaque about a quarter inch up the side.
- Flip carefully with a metal spatula and cook 3 to 4 minutes more for medium doneness, when the center is just opaque but still moist (internal temperature about 130 to 135°F / 54 to 57°C).
- Transfer the steaks to a warm plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 3 minutes so the juices settle back into the flesh.
- Drizzle each steak with the finishing olive oil, scatter over the chopped parsley, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and a simple tomato-and-onion salad on the side, if you like.
Cook’s Notes
- Pat the fish completely dry before marinating; surface moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
- Do not overcook swordfish; it goes from moist to dry in under a minute, so pull it off the heat while the center is just barely opaque.
- Choose steaks cut from the loin that are at least 1 inch thick so they can take high heat without drying out.
- If using a real plancha, lightly oil it with a folded paper towel held in tongs; never pour oil on a screaming-hot surface.
- Look for sustainably caught swordfish; line-caught or handline fish from well-managed fisheries is the best choice.










