How To Broil Swordfish

A broiled white fish fillet.

Image Credit: carpaumar/iStock/Getty Images Swordfish, a meaty, mild fish, is available fresh year-round fresh or frozen, usually as steaks. You can cook swordfish a variety of ways, with broiling being a quick and easy technique that typically takes about 10 minutes. Swordfish’s mild flavor accepts marinades easily, and marinating the steaks before broiling will tenderize and infuse them with flavor.

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Select Superior Swordfish

Step 1

Buy American swordfish, because imported swordfish is largely unregulated and often fished using controversial methods.

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Step 2

Select swordfish steaks with smooth, silvery skin and red bloodlines running through firm flesh. The flesh can vary from white to orange; brown bloodlines mean the fish is older and less fresh.

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Step 3

Choose fresh swordfish that is basically odorless with a fresh, clean smell.

Before You Broil

Step 1

Whisk the marinade ingredients together in a glass bowl.

Step 2

Place fresh or thawed swordfish into the marinade, turning the steaks to thoroughly coat both sides.

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Step 3

Marinate the swordfish at room temperature for 15 minutes to one hour, according to you recipe.

In the Oven

Step 1

Preheat the broiler on high for 10 minutes.

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Step 2

Place the oven rack 4 to 5 inches below the heating element.

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Step 3

Remove the swordfish steaks from the marinade with tongs and place them on a broiling pan. Place the pan in the broiler.

Step 4

Broil the swordfish on each side for approximately 4 to 6 minute per ½ inch of thickness. Insert a meat thermometer into swordfish; an internal temperature of 155 degrees F indicates that the swordfish is thoroughly cooked.

Step 5

Transfer the marinade to a saucepan and boil it for one minute on the stovetop. Cool slightly and baste the swordfish with the marinade while broiling, if you like.

Step 6

Remove the swordfish steaks from the broiling pan with tongs and place them on a serving platter. Serve immediately.

Things You'll Need

American-caught swordfish steaks, fresh or frozen Glass bowl Whisk Marinade ingredients, such as olive oil, citrus-fruit juice, honey, soy sauce, dried herbs and spices Tongs Broiler pan or rimmed baking sheet Meat thermometer Saucepan Ladle or large spoon Serving platter Tip Use your favorite bottled Italian dressing as a marinade for swordfish. Store fresh swordfish at 32 degrees F to 38 degrees F for up to two days and frozen swordfish at 0 degrees F for up to three months. Thaw frozen swordfish under cold running water or in the refrigerator to avoid bacterial contamination. Warning The Environmental Defense Fund and the Monterey Bay Aquarium recommend avoiding imported swordfish and purchasing American-caught and –certified swordfish, which is fished using more sustainable techniques. Because swordfish is high in mercury, the FDA recommends that pregnant or nursing women avoiding consuming it. The Environmental Defense Fund recommends no more than one serving per month for adult men and women who are not of child-bearing age.

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  references
  
      California Seafood Council: The Truth About Seafood
    
      University of Florida Sarasota Extension: Florida Food Fare - Swordfish
    
      Epicurious: Swordfish with Orange, Honey and Soy
    
      Michigan State University: Marinades Make Grilling Easy
    
      Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch: Swordfish
    
      Health News Florida: Moms-To-Be Are Eating Fish, But Choosing Low-Mercury Options
    
      Environmental Defense Fund: EDF Seafood Selector - Swordfish
       




  references
  
      California Seafood Council: The Truth About Seafood
    
      University of Florida Sarasota Extension: Florida Food Fare - Swordfish
    
      Epicurious: Swordfish with Orange, Honey and Soy
    
      Michigan State University: Marinades Make Grilling Easy
    
      Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch: Swordfish
    
      Health News Florida: Moms-To-Be Are Eating Fish, But Choosing Low-Mercury Options
    
      Environmental Defense Fund: EDF Seafood Selector - Swordfish
    




A broiled white fish fillet.

Image Credit: carpaumar/iStock/Getty Images

American-caught swordfish steaks, fresh or frozen
Glass bowl
Whisk
Marinade ingredients, such as olive oil, citrus-fruit juice, honey, soy sauce, dried herbs and spices
Tongs
Broiler pan or rimmed baking sheet
Meat thermometer
Saucepan
Ladle or large spoon
Serving platter

Use your favorite bottled Italian dressing as a marinade for swordfish. Store fresh swordfish at 32 degrees F to 38 degrees F for up to two days and frozen swordfish at 0 degrees F for up to three months. Thaw frozen swordfish under cold running water or in the refrigerator to avoid bacterial contamination.

Store fresh swordfish at 32 degrees F to 38 degrees F for up to two days and frozen swordfish at 0 degrees F for up to three months. Thaw frozen swordfish under cold running water or in the refrigerator to avoid bacterial contamination.

The Environmental Defense Fund and the Monterey Bay Aquarium recommend avoiding imported swordfish and purchasing American-caught and –certified swordfish, which is fished using more sustainable techniques. Because swordfish is high in mercury, the FDA recommends that pregnant or nursing women avoiding consuming it. The Environmental Defense Fund recommends no more than one serving per month for adult men and women who are not of child-bearing age.

      California Seafood Council: The Truth About Seafood
    
      University of Florida Sarasota Extension: Florida Food Fare - Swordfish
    
      Epicurious: Swordfish with Orange, Honey and Soy
    
      Michigan State University: Marinades Make Grilling Easy
    
      Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch: Swordfish
    
      Health News Florida: Moms-To-Be Are Eating Fish, But Choosing Low-Mercury Options
    
      Environmental Defense Fund: EDF Seafood Selector - Swordfish