Swordfish is a popular fish with a mild, meaty flavor and dense texture that makes it perfect for grilling. When it comes to pairing swordfish with sides and sauces, there are a lot of delicious options to complement its taste and texture. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll answer some quick questions about swordfish to give an overview. Then we’ll dive into more details about the best side dishes and sauces for swordfish.
Quick Questions
Where does swordfish come from? Swordfish is found in tropical and temperate waters around the world. Some of the most popular catching areas include the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
What does swordfish taste like? Swordfish has a mild, meaty flavor similar to steak. The meat is firm with a dense, meaty texture.
How should you cook swordfish? Swordfish holds up well to almost any cooking method including grilling, broiling, baking, and pan-searing. Grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook swordfish.
Is swordfish healthy? Yes, swordfish is nutritious and an excellent source of lean protein. It’s high in B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The Best Side Dishes for Swordfish
The right side dishes can beautifully complement the natural flavor of swordfish without overpowering it. Here are some of the best options:
Rice Pilaf or Risotto
A rice dish makes a simple yet delicious pairing with grilled or baked swordfish. The mild flavor of rice allows the swordfish to take center stage. Try an herbed rice pilaf with parsley, dill, lemon zest, and olive oil or a creamy risotto like asparagus risotto.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies like potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower are an easy, flavorful side for swordfish. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, giving them a sweet, hearty taste that complements the fish.
Sautéed Greens
Fresh greens like kale, spinach, Swiss chard, or bok choy sautéed with garlic and olive oil make a healthy, quick side dish for swordfish. The bright, fresh flavor balances the richness of the fish.
Quinoa Salad
A protein-packed quinoa salad is an excellent low carb, gluten-free option with swordfish. Combine quinoa with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, and lemon juice for a tangy, flavorful salad.
Grilled Vegetables
Similar to roasted vegetables, grilled veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers add great flavor alongside swordfish. Try marinating the vegetables in an Italian dressing before grilling for extra flavor.
These veggie-based sides all pair beautifully with swordfish without overshadowing its natural mild, meaty taste. Their colors and textures provide an appealing contrast to the fish as well.
Best Sauces for Swordfish
From creamy butter sauces to tangy chimichurris, there are lots of great sauce options that complement swordfish wonderfully without masking its flavor. Here are some recommendations:
Lemon Dill Sauce
This easy lemon dill butter sauce allows the swordfish to shine. Simmer some lemon juice, white wine, dill, and butter together and drizzle over the fish.
Mango Salsa
A fresh mango salsa brings a sweet, tangy flavor and hint of spice to balance the swordfish’s richness. Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Chimichurri Sauce
An Argentinian green herb sauce, chimichurri pairs perfectly with meaty fish like swordfish. Mix up parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
Tzatziki Sauce
Cooling cucumber yogurt tzatziki sauce complements swordfish’s texture beautifully. Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh dill and mint.
Beurre Blanc
This classic French butter sauce adds richness without overpowering the fish. Make it with shallots, white wine, vinegar, and butter.
Drizzle one of these sauces over grilled, baked, or pan-seared swordfish for an easy way to complement its natural flavor. They add some great contrasting flavors and textures.
Putting It All Together
Here are some recommended combinations to try pairing with swordfish fillets or steaks:
| Side Dish | Sauce |
|---|---|
| Lemon Garlic Asparagus | Lemon Dill Sauce |
| Parmesan Risotto | Beurre Blanc |
| Cherry Tomato & Cucumber Salad | Tzatziki Sauce |
| Herb Roasted Potatoes | Mango Salsa |
| Quinoa with Corn, Avocado & Mint | Chimichurri Sauce |
Pairing swordfish with a vegetable side dish and a creamy sauce is a delicious combination. The sauce adds flavorful accents while allowing the swordfish to remain the star of the dish.
Rice or tender roasted vegetables complement the meatiness of swordfish wonderfully. Meanwhile, bright herb sauces like chimichurri or flavorful salsas contrast with its rich density.
Complementary Wine Pairings
Selecting the right wine can further accentuate the flavors of your swordfish meal. Here are some excellent wine pairing options:
Chardonnay
A creamy, oak-aged Chardonnay has enough weight and texture to stand up to the meatiness of swordfish. It also complements rich butter or cream-based sauces.
Sauvignon Blanc
A crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with swordfish’s mild flavors. It also balances richness and cuts through heavier sauces.
Sparkling Wine
The acidity and bubbles of an elegant sparkling wine can cut through the swordfish’s density beautifully. Try a sparkling wine with roasted veggie sides.
Rosé Wine
The berry flavors and bright acidity of rosé wines complement the swordfish well. Opt for a drier style rosé to match swordfish with tomato-based sauces or salsas.
Pinot Noir
Earthy, medium-bodied Pinot Noir works nicely with a wide range of swordfish dishes. It has enough backbone for rich sauces but doesn’t overpower the fish.
Keep the wine pairing simple by selecting a white, red or sparkling wine that accentuates the flavors of the chosen vegetable sides and sauces without masking the delicate swordfish.
Preparing Swordfish
Proper preparation and cooking is key to getting the best flavor and texture out of swordfish. Here are some tips:
- Allow thick swordfish steaks to come to room temperature before cooking so they cook evenly.
- Pat the fish dry before seasoning so spices and oils adhere properly.
- Brush swordfish with oil before grilling or broiling to prevent it from sticking.
- Cook swordfish over high heat for a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist.
- Try not to overcook swordfish. Cook to medium or medium rare for best texture.
- Let swordfish rest for 5 minutes after cooking before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Properly handled and cooked swordfish will reward you with a perfectly grilled, crispy exterior enclosing a moist, tender, and flavorful interior. Pair it with your favorite veggie sides and sauces to create a fabulous seafood meal.
Conclusion
Swordfish is a wonderfully meaty and versatile fish that pairs well with a wide variety of flavors. From herbed pilafs to roasted veggies, bright salads to creamy risottos, the mild taste of swordfish allows other ingredients to shine. Tangy chimichurris, cooling tzatzikis, and fragrant herb sauces all complement swordfish without overpowering it. With a good wine pairing and proper cooking techniques, swordfish can be the star of a fantastic seafood dinner. Experiment with differentseasonal produce, grains and creative sauces to find your favorite combinations with meaty swordfish fillets.