This Blackened Swordfish recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant quality fish dish right in your own kitchen.
About the Recipe
Juicy swordfish steaks are generously coated with Cajun seasoning, seared to perfection, and topped with fresh lemon slices for an added burst of freshness.
If you're a fan of bold flavors and seafood, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Searing the seasoned swordfish in a hot pan ensures a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The combination of Cajun spices and lemon makes this a dish that is hard to resist.
You can use this fish in swordfish tacos with fresh mango salsa and chopped cabbage or in a blackened swordfish sandwich.
This recipe is very easy to prepare. It is an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you're looking to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you are looking for more seafood recipes, check out our: Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo, Pan Seared Shrimp or Colossal Baked Jumbo Shrimp.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
It is quick and easy - This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. With only a quick sear in a hot pan and a brief resting period, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in under 20 minutes.
It is full of flavor - This swordfish is packed full of bold flavors from the Cajun seasoning which adds a spicy and savory kick. The searing process creates a deliciously crispy crust and the fresh lemon slices add a zesty flavor that perfectly complements the rich taste of the swordfish.
It is healthy - Swordfish is a great source of lean protein and healthy fats. It’s a delicious and nutritious choice!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this fresh fish recipe:
- Swordfish steaks
- Cajun seasoning: Use a Creole Seasoning, Blackened seasoning or homemade spice mixture
- Olive oil
- Lemon: Use fresh slices of lemon for a garnish.
Directions
Let's make this fish dinner together!
Step 1: Using a paper towel, pat the swordfish steaks dry and season both sides with the Cajun seasoning.
Step 2: In a pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil until it shimmers. You can use a stainless steel pan or a cast iron skillet.
Step 3: Add the swordfish steaks to the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until deep golden brown.
Step 4: Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes. Top with lemon slices, serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this healthy dinner:
Preheat the pan - Be sure your pan is properly preheated and the oil is shimmering before adding the fish to achieve a perfect sear.
Pat dry - Pat the swordfish steaks dry with paper towels of all excess moisture before seasoning. This helps the spices adhere better and to get a nice crust.
Resting time - Let the swordfish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help ensure each bite is moist and flavorful.
Check for doneness - Swordfish is best when cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, and it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Use an instant read thermometer to check for proper temperature.
Serving suggestions - Flake the seared swordfish and serve it in tacos, on a salad or paired with rice or quinoa.
High quality fish - Always source your fish from a quality fish market or grocery store and seek the freshest fish possible. Ask for a large swordfish fillet. You want the thickness of your swordfish to be at least 1 inch so the meaty fish can become seared on the outside but tender on the inside.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Instant Read Thermometer - This thermometer will help you get tender flaky fish that's perfectly cooked every time!
Fry Pan - I have this frying pan and love it. I never have issues with anything sticking!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this swordfish recipe.
Swordfish - Instead of swordfish steaks, you can try salmon filets, mahi mahi or tilapia.
Cajun seasoning - Swap out the cajun seasoning for lemon pepper seasoning or a totally different taste. Or, add extra flavor with cayenne pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder.
Oil - You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil, which have a high smoke point.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this delicious recipe:
Roasted Portobello Mushrooms - This Roasted Portobello Mushrooms recipe features slices of hearty mushroom caps seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. With a tender, juicy texture and a rich flavor, these mushrooms are a perfect side dish or a tasty appetizer. You'll find yourself reaching for this simple yet flavorful recipe again and again.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots - This Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots recipe brings together the natural sweetness of root vegetables with the flavors of rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
Beet Carpaccio - This Beet Carpaccio recipe features vibrant and earthy beets that are thinly sliced and topped with crunchy pistachios, tangy capers, creamy goat cheese, and peppery arugula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen swordfish steaks for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
The first step is to make sure you are starting with a preheated pan with oil that is hot enough that it is shimmering. This will help make it a nonstick surface. Second, if the fish is stuck to the pan, it is not ready to be moved. Be sure to leave it alone once you add it to the pan for the recommended 4-5 minutes to allow for the crust to form. The other two tips I would say is to be sure you are using enough oil and a nonstick pan.
Yes. Grill the steaks over medium-high heat for the same recommended 4-5 minutes per side.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this fish recipe:
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Blackened Swordfish
Ingredients
- 2 swordfish steaks
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Pat swordfish dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until deep golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Top with lemon slices and serve.
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