Meaty, quick-cooking and full of Sicilian sunshine, swordfish steaks are made for the griddle or BBQ. Here they’re charred for just a couple of minutes a side and topped with a bright salsa of chargrilled peppers, cherry tomatoes, green olives and capers, then finished with charred lemon and a pinch of Sicilian Fine Sea Salt, Selected by Maldon. Dinner is on the table in 15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Swordfish Steaks
- Ready in 15 Minutes: Swordfish cooks in minutes and the no-cook salsa comes together while it grills.
- Big Sicilian Flavours: Sweet peppers, briny olives and sharp capers make a punchy salsa that lifts the fish.
- High-Protein & Gluten-Free: A light, healthy main that feels generous and special.
How to Make Grilled Swordfish Steaks (Step-by-Step)
- Make the salsa: Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters and add to a bowl with the extra virgin olive oil. Thinly slice the chargrilled peppers, halve the olives and add both, then drain, rinse and add the capers. Season with Sicilian Fine Sea Salt, Selected by Maldon and cracked black pepper, and set aside.
- Grill the swordfish: Rub the steaks with a little olive oil and place onto a hot griddle pan or BBQ over a high heat. Swordfish cooks quickly like tuna and can easily overcook, so give it just 2 minutes on each side. Grill the lemon halves alongside.
- Season and serve: As soon as the steaks are cooked, transfer to a platter and season with a good pinch of Sicilian Fine Sea Salt, Selected by Maldon and pepper. Spoon over the salsa, garnish with fresh oregano and squeeze over the charred lemon before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Swordfish Steaks
- Don’t overcook it: Swordfish dries out fast – 2 minutes a side over a high heat keeps it juicy and just-cooked.
- Get the griddle hot: A properly hot griddle or BBQ gives clean char marks and stops the fish sticking.
- Make the salsa ahead: Mixing the salsa first lets the flavours meld while the swordfish grills.
What to Serve with Grilled Swordfish Steaks
These steaks are a complete summer dinner with garlic and herb new potatoes and a blood orange and fennel salad, with sesame semolina bread to soak up the salsa and juices. The charred lemon is essential – a good squeeze right at the end brings everything together. Tuna steaks make an easy swap if swordfish isn’t available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tuna instead of swordfish?
Yes – tuna steaks cook in a very similar way and time. Like swordfish, they’re best left a little pink in the middle and not overcooked.
Fresh or jarred peppers for the salsa?
Jarred chargrilled peppers are quick and full of flavour, but you can chargrill fresh peppers and peel them if you prefer to make your own.
How do I know when the swordfish is cooked?
It should be just opaque all the way through after about 2 minutes a side. Take it off while still juicy – it firms up as it rests.
