We enjoy fish several times a week, and dining on Grilled Marinated Swordfish Italian Style is like eating at an expensive restaurant. Marinating then grilling is the perfect way to prepare swordfish. The steaks turn out so flavorful and moist.
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Make the marinade
The marinade is quite easy to whip up. It just takes:
- a little bit of olive oil
- some fresh lemon juice
- balsamic vinegar
- fresh aromatic herbs
- garlic
- salt
- pepper.
These are staples we have on hand. Then to finish off the grilled marinated swordfish, we either squirt a tad of fresh lemon juice over the fish or add a small dollop of fresh pesto to the bottom of the plate then lay the fish on top.
Mamma's way of preparing fish
The fresh pesto was my mamma's way of finishing off her pesce alla griglia {grilled fish}.
Whenever mamma cooked, it was a ritual.
Grilling fish entailed firing up the hibachi and making a pesto with prezzemolo, aglio, e olio d'oliva {Italian parsley, garlic, and olive oil}.
Mamma had this old cutting board my papà made for her, and she used it so much the cutting board split down the center.
Well, being the frugal Italians that they were, papà just took two small pieces of wood and screwed them to one side of the cutting board.
Ecco just like new!!
How mamma made pesto
That small board got lots of use, believe me.
In this instance, mamma took several cloves of peeled garlic and started mincing. She sprinkled some salt over the garlic -- this adds friction so that she can mince the garlic until it's a paste.
Then she does the same to the parsley. She combined the two and then scraped the ingredients from the cutting board with her knife and slid the paste into a small bowl.
She whisked olive oil into the paste and finally to top it all off, she added a squirt of fresh lemon juice. Once she finished the pesto, it was time to grill the fish.
How to grill the fish
The hibachi served my parents well. The grill didn't use a lot of charcoal, and it was just right for our small family.
To start the grill mamma crumpled up newspaper on the bottom and added a handful of coals on top of the paper. She lit the paper and then let the old green fan I had in my bedroom fan the flames.
Those were the days when there was no central air or for that matter window units. We just relied on open windows and fans.
When I got married, that old green fan got relegated to hibachi starter 🙂
Finish the grilled marinated swordfish with pesto
One time, after mamma prepared the grilled marinated swordfish, I noticed my papà outside, with his hands clasped behind his back.
He was staring at the hibachi. "Papà," I said, "Tutto è pronto." {Everything is ready} He looked up at me, winked, then took his index finger and pointed to his forehead. Well, this I knew meant he had come up with some idea.
He was always coming up with ways and means to make things easier, better, more economical. Sometimes his ideas worked; sometimes they didn't.
What he thought up this time was a sheet metal lid that fit perfectly on top of the hibachi, smothering the live coals, so whatever charcoal was left could be used at another time.
He hated the thought of any charcoal going to waste.
We made this recipe for just the two of us, but Grilled Marinated Swordfish Italian Style can easily be doubled or tripled.
We will be including more fish recipes, hopefully, just as soon as the fishing improves 🙂
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima
More seafood recipes you'll enjoy
Cod With Mushrooms, Garlic, and Vermouth - a one-pan dish that features a rich sauce of mushrooms and vermouth over the seafood.
Jason's Pompano Grilled With Lime - a succulent fish with a rich buttery taste. Quick and easy to make the lime gives the seafood a fresh bright taste.
Shrimp Pasta Primavera - lots of delicious spring vegetables served with juicy shrimp and pasta.
Make seafood a regular weekly meal - there are many delicious recipes.
Grilled Marinated Swordfish Italian Style Recipe
📖 Recipe
Grilled Marinated Swordfish Italian Style
Ingredients
- 2 swordfish steaks - sliced no more that 1-inch thick
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage chopped fine
- ½ teaspoon salt or qb quanto basta to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper qb (quanta basta) to taste
- Fresh Italian parsley and lemon juice to finish.
Instructions
- Place swordfish steaks in a zip-lock bag, leaving the bag unsealed.
- In a small bowl, combine the 4 Tablespoons of olive oil and remaining ingredients to make the marinade.
- Pour the marinade into the bag with the fish, squishing the liquid around the fish until it is coated.
- Seal the bag, squeezing, to release as much air as possible.
- Marinate in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours and several times gently squeezing the bag so the marinade covers the fish.
- Spray the grill racks with vegetable spray.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the fish from the marinade.
- Once the grill is searing hot place the fish on the rack and grill on each side for 3 to 5 minutes or until center of steaks are cooked through and the fish flakes easily when forked. Do not overcook. Remember the fish continues to cook once it is off the grill
- Place the fish on a platter and squeeze a little bit of fresh lemon on top. Sprinkle with fresh Italian parsley.
Notes
- If you like you can make it like my mamma, put a small amount of pesto on the plate and put the fish on top. Drizzle a little bit of fresh lemon juice on top.
- Adapted from a MarthaStewartWannabe recipe of Grilled Italian Marinated Swordfish.
Nutrition
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Dawn Harris
My favorite way to prepare fish is by grilling, and that marinade sounds so flavorful. I especially love the idea of placing the fish on top of the pesto, and the addition of lemon and herbs has my mouth watering. This sounds like a great summer meal!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Dawn! The method of preparation was my mamma's way. I loved her grilled fish.
Amanda
Such a gorgeous recipe, Marisa, and so perfect for summer! Of all the things we cook on the grill during the season, swordfish has to be my favorite. It's so meaty, and elegant, and satisfying. I love the flavors in your marinade--such a great use of the herb garden that must pair so well with that beautiful fish. So definitely making this after my next trip to the seafood market!
Sean@Diversivore
Alright, confession time - I've eaten a LOT of different kinds of fish over the years... but I've never even tried swordfish! I think it's mostly an accessibility thing, as I don't see a lot of it for sale here (Vancouver). I had been operating under the belief that it was something of an unsustainable fish variety too, but I see now (thanks to Oceanwise) that there are actually all sorts of catching methods and regions that are considered excellent choices from an environmental perspective. So now I'm thinking that I really, REALLY need to track this incredible fish down. You've given it such a delightful, delicious, and uncomplicated treatment. Your mamma's approach to finishing grilled fish looks pretty bang-on to me. Cheers!
Donna
I literally just picked up some swordfish today because it was on special, but I have never cooked it before and didn't really have any idea what way to do it. Perfect timing, and I have all those fresh herbs growing in the garden!! Yummo
Dana
I love indulging in swordfish every once in a while. It's such a meaty fillet of fish and you can do so many things with it. Grilling is definitely my go-to method, though. Grilling, with tons of bright flavors like you used here!
Kathy McDaniel
The swordfish looks amazing! Those grilled marks are pure perfection. I love your use of fresh herbs for this recipe. Simple and perfect to serve al fresco to company.
Amy Nash
This swordfish looks absolutely wonderful. I love that you used fresh herbs to add flavor, and those grill marks are perfect!
Amanda
I've only had swordfish once before... it just feels more like a fancy restaurant thing so being able to make it at home is sort of mind blowing to me haha I bet its pretty incredible
Carmy
Yum! Anything with pesto and I'm game! I've actually never tried swordfish! I saw some at a sushi restaurant recently (raw) and was not brave enough to try it. I think I'd much rather try it grilled and with pesto first!
Veena Azmanov
I love reading your post, Marisa especially things about your mom and wonderful Italian lifestyle. Love the flavors you have going in this fish recipe. Sage does go so well with swordfish. Can't wait to try this soon.
Heather
I love swordfish and this recipe has my mouthwatering!!! Simple marinade loaded with fresh ingredients and I love this spin on the flavor. Beautifully seasoned and I love how mama does it up 🙂
Natalie
I haven't eat swordfish in ages. Your recipe sounds so delicious with all these herbs mixed. I must get back swordfish back on my family menu. And try your recipe off course 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hello, Natalie! You'll enjoy the herbs with the swordfish.
Denise
You paint such a lovely picture with your stories about your mother's cooking. I feel like I'm in Italy every time I visit your blog. You also eat so healthy with all of your fish recipes! I need to find a sub for swordfish because I don't have a wide selection of fish available to me. Do you have any recommendations?
Marisa Franca
Hi, Denise! Any firm flesh fish will do. I'm not sure where you're living but if you ask the person in the fish dept. they would know.
Stef
We were just talking one minute ago about what to do with all the basil we have in our garden. This sounds like a great option. BTW - I love your photo of the herbs. It's so fresh and appealing.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Stef! We do like our fresh herbs!
Jolina
This looks perfect! And I love all the herbs in your marinade. We have been grilling a lot lately, taking advantage of all that sunshine 🙂
Marisa Franca
It's wonderful to see the sun and grilling is the best. Try the marinade -- it's great.
Catherine
I'm just loving all those beautiful, fresh herbs Marisa! These swordfish steaks look fantastic with those beautiful grill marks...I'd love to try this!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Catherine. The swordfish seemed to absorb all the delicious herb flavors. The marinade was great with the fish.
Tracy Koslicki
This sounds incredible. And what a GREAT tip about sprinkling salt on the garlic first! Of course! It makes perfect sense. All of those fresh herbs look divine!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Tracy! The tip about the salt was my mamma's idea. She just had a natural ability when it came to food.
Adriana Lopez Martin
Swordfish is perfect for grilling and then seasoned wit herbs and lemon I bet it is delicious. I need to grill some this weekend.
Marisa Franca
Hello, Adriana! We do love our grilled seafood. In Florida, you should be able to have lots of choices.
Shoshy Levine
Looks amazing, thanks so much for sharing not only this recipe, but about your family. I cannot wait to try this--it seems so easy and so fancy!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Shoshy! It is an easy recipe and the fish is so full of flavor.
Michelle
That looks and sounds absolutely amazing! I'm so with you on not cooking right now - the grill wins!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Michelle. Cooking outside is so much easier when the weather is so hot.
Gloria
YES...it is HOT HOT HOT here too. We have been grilling ALL weekend...no way am I turning the oven on. We just did salmon yesterday. I need to go to the fish market to get some swordfish. Such a nice meaty fish to grill. Doesn't fall apart .... then the grill grates eat my dinner.
Marisa Franca
The grill has eaten bits and pieces of our meat too, Gloria. Really makes us angry. It's almost too hot to move. Hope it cools down soon.
Denay DeGuzman
My whole family loves grilled fish! So I already know this marinated swordfish is going to be a bit hit this weekend. I can hardly wait to grill and serve it with lemon slices and homemade pesto. Yum!
Marisa Franca
The pesto and the lemon really add a nice freshness to the fish. I know you and your family will enjoy it, Denay.
Sarah
I love pesto on grilled swordfish! Your momma's pesto recipe is a little different than what I've used in the past, and it sounds incredible. I need this in my life!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Sarah!! My mamma always enjoyed making pesto and adding a light fresh taste to seafood.
Claudia Lamascolo
Looks like you really aced this one. I have ruined many a swordfish and ended up not liking it because I didn't cook it right, I certainly need t make this recipe to give it another shot looks awesome!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Claudia! This really is an easy recipe -- the marinade makes sure the fish isn't dry.
Veena Azmanov
Oh I love grilled fish. Love the char marks. Those fresh herbs sounds so refreshing . I love reading your lovely stories Marisa
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Veena! It is such a simple recipe and pesto is one thing we have around all the time.
Arlene Mobley
I love using fresh herbs with seafood. My potted herbs are growing so well now. I can't wait to try the recipe!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Arlene! Our basil is going gangbusters. We'll be making more pesto soon.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
It has been a long time since I have had swordfish. It is such a "meaty" fish, and grilled fish is so good. The pesto would work so well, and this is perfect with a nice glass of white wine. Great summer eating.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Gloria! We do love grilling our seafood! And yes, pesto works great along with lemon and Italian fresh herbs -- and wine is a must!! ????
Sharee @ Savory Spicerack
I can see these spices coming together and making the fish a tasty dish. I will have to try this.
Marisa Franca
Hi Sharee! I don't think the fish will disappoint at all. You can use the recipe for any firm flesh fish. Let me know how you like the recipe.
Donna
Yum, this sounds simply delicious! Love the little story to go with it 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi Donna! My mind can sometimes travel strange routes and I do talk to myself. Do you?? 🙂
Joy @ Joy Love Food
I love fish of all kinds, this sounds like a wonderful preparation with all the fresh herbs in the marinade. And your photos are making me hungry, I wish I had a plate of this swordfish for lunch today!
Wendi Spraker
Hi Marisa! I just have to tell you something - I do not eat fish. I am allergic to shellfish and I guess because of the reactions I have had - I just can't handle the fishy taste of fish. That said, I do occasionally try a bite of tuna salad and do not feel like I will die. lol. Once, a long time ago - a friend of mine gave me a bite of some left over Tuna steak (?) (Might have been salmon) that she had grilled the night before, then made a sauce for and served over spaghetti noodles - she was having the leftovers for lunch and we worked together. I very reluctantly tried a bite and it really was delicious. I've never had anything like it since. THEN - when I saw this post of yours, I thought, "That looks like that dish Cathy had that one time". So - I''m wondering, how much like fish does swordfish taste? I'm considering what might happen if I tried some. Which, Marisa, that is a HUGE step for me. 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi Wendi!! Don't feel bad, there are a lot of people who can't eat fish or just plain don't like it. Now, since you like tuna you can use the marinade on the tuna and then grill it! Tuna is a lot milder fish than the swordfish and if you want to work it into your meals I would go for that. Just don't overcook the tuna -- should not go over medium -- and you'll have a wonderful meal!! Also there some wonderful sauces you can use to put over fish. The fresh fish hubby catches is really mild and we really enjoy them. If you have any questions just let me know. You're great for giving it a try!
Ciao Chow Linda
Nice memory of your mom and dad and delicious swordfish recipe. It's especially welcome after the holiday gorging.
Marisa Franca
Thank you Linda! Right now we are concentrating on fish -- we are looking forward to hubby catching some so we can post 🙂 So far not too much luck!
LydiaF
I love the story of the hibachi, but I'm love the idea of the pesto underneath the fish and a squeeze of lemon on top. I will definitely do that the next time we grill some fish.
Marisa Franca
Hi Lydia! The pesto kind of melted into the fish and we'd sweep up pesto with each bite.
Ciao Florentina
Oh how I love swordfish ! This marinade sounds fantastic, I must try
Marisa Franca
Hello Florentina! It really did make the swordfish extra special. Let me know if you try it and if you liked it
Sara @ Life's Little Sweets
I love a good piece of swordfish, this looks delicious, perfect for a family dinner!
Marisa Franca
Hi Sara! I would be perfect for a family dinner -- the recipe is easy to quadruple if necessary.
Tracy @ Served from Scratch
Mmmm I love swordfish but I eat it maybe once a year or so. This recipe looks delicious!!
Marisa Franca
Hi Tracy! The marinade works with any fish -- especially a firm fleshed one.
Claudia | Gourmet Project
my father loves swordfish: guess I found a recipe for the next father's day 🙂
Marisa Franca
Ciao Claudia! This would be a great recipe for him. The marinade gives it additional flavor but doesn't take away from the swordfish.
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal
This looks so tasty, and I love those grill marks!
Marisa Franca
Hi Rachel! Thank you! We love grilled fish and swordfish is a perfect seafood for the grill.
Jovina Coughlin
One of my favorite fish dishes. I also like to marinate the fish before cooking. It adds so much flavor. Your recipe looks delicious and I will definitely try your marinade. Really nice photos also Marisa.
Marisa Franca
Hi Jovina! You're right about a marinade. And thank you about the photos -- I'm trying to learn. This year I said I was going to try experimenting with more marinades -- I love them and they do add so much flavor.
Platter Talk
We love swordfish but have yet to make it; I'm loving this savory marinade that you have created for this recipe! Thanks so much for sharing!
Marisa Franca
You're welcome! Try the marinade it really gave the swordfish a really fantastic flavor.
Simply Suzannes at Home
I LOVE reading the stories/memories you share with your recipes! It brings them to life :0)
Your grilled swordfish sounds delicious! I love the idea of finishing off with pesto. Yum!
I hope you had a great weekend, Marisa!
Sending hugs,
Suzanne
Marisa Franca
Thank you for the hugs -- sending one right back. I love remembering little things about my folks -- resurrects their memory so that it seems that they're still with me.
Chiara
adoro il pesce spada e gustarlo con una ricetta semplice è la cosa migliore, grazie Marisa, buona settimana !
Marisa Franca
Grazie Chiara! I inherited my love of fish from my mamma and papà. And they loved grilling!! Abbracci!!