Pan Seared Swordfish

Name: Pan Seared Swordfish
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 Swordfish fillets; 3/4 tsp Fine Salt; 1/2 tsp Paprika/Cayenne/Chili Powder; 1/2 tsp Black pepper powder; 1/2 tsp Granulated garlic/garlic powder; 1 tbsp Lemon Juice/Lime juice; 1 tbsp Avocado oil/ Cooking oil of your choice

Roshani Wickramasinghe April 23, 2025

My easy, fool-proof recipe to make the best Swordfish steaks with just a few pantry ingredients and a frying pan.

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Golden on the outside yet tender on the inside, this Pan Seared Swordfish is so quick and easy to make and is absolutely delicious!! If you’re looking to impress someone but don’t have much time, go grab two steaks of swordfish, and you probably have the rest of the ingredients in your pantry already.

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Swordfish is a firm, slightly sweet fish that does not have a heavy fishy smell. It’s firm and dense, unlike other flaky fish like salmon. And they are not as hard to handle as Tilapia fillets. But you need to be very careful when you sear swordfish because overcooked swordfish can become rubbery and hard to chew. But when you cook it right, oh, it’s so tender and moist, and I’d say almost like eating a steak. Don’t worry, I have just the right recipe to make it tender and juicy and delicious!

How to choose Swordfish to Pan Sear?

When I choose Swordfish fillets to pan fry or sear, I always get pieces that are equal in thickness and equal in size. This is to ensure that all the swordfish steaks cook at the same time when they are Pan seared. Otherwise, the thin steaks can cook quicker than the thicker steaks. Also, make sure they have a nice, clean cut on both sides so you’d get a good, even searing.

Ingredients info

Swordfish – I usually buy frozen swordfish from Trader Joe’s. Make sure they are thawed in the fridge. You can leave it on the counter for about 10 – 15 minutes after you marinate the fish. This will bring the fish to room temperature.

Lemon – lime can be used as an alternative. A citrus is a must to add some brightness to the dish.

Paprika – You can use cayenne too if you like it spicy. Or use a mix of paprika and cayenne.

Black pepper – I like to use freshly ground black pepper for this recipe.

Salt – When you season the fish, make sure to season it generously as you lose some of the saltiness as you pan fry the fish in oil. If you season with ground salt/sea salt/Celtic salt, use 3/4 tsp of salt for 1 lb of fish. If you are using coarse-ground or flaky salt, such as kosher salt, add 1 tsp for 1 lb of fish.

Oil – I usually go with Avocado oil since it’s neutral in flavor. But you can also make it with coconut oil or olive oil, but keep in mind these oils will add some flavor.

Swordfish serving ideas

My favorite way is the simplest way, which is with a squeeze of lemon juice on top and sometimes I top it with some melted butter too.

But if I have some extra time, I like to whip up a quick butter sauce and serve it with some roasted vegetables. (added a simple recipe below for the butter sauce)

It also goes really well over some yellow rice or cilantro lime rice, or any herb rice of your choice.

You can also make fish tacos with this Pan Seared Swordfish. Simply break the fish steak into small pieces. Put on a taco shell and top with some mango salsa or corn salsa. Squeeze some lime on top and serve.

A simple garlic lemon butter to serve with swordfish

I did not add this to the recipe card since you can serve this swordfish in multiple different ways. It’s even good on its own or with just a squeeze of lemon juice. But if you want to serve it for a special meal, let’s say for a date maybe, make this simple garlic lemon butter sauce. Oh it’s amazing!

For 2 servings:

Heat a pan to medium-low. Add 4 tbsp of butter.
When the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of garlic minced, add saute until it’s fragrant (about 30 – 40 seconds). Do not brown garlic or the butter.
Then add 2 tbsp of lemon juice. Mix and let it bubble for a few seconds, and then turn off.
Mix in 1 – 2 tsp of finely chopped parsley.

I hope you give this easy and delicious Pan Seared Swordfish recipe a try. It’s a real treat when you make it right. Please add any questions you have to the comment section. Also don’t forget to share your feedback.

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