Grilled Citrus-Marinated Swordfish Steaks

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm swordfish steaks marinated in bright citrus and herbs, then grilled to juicy perfection. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) swordfish steaks, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 swordfish steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Remove swordfish from marinade and discard marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill swordfish steaks for 4-5 minutes per side until grill marks form and fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Swordfish Steaks take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Marinated Swordfish Steaks?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) swordfish steaks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Swordfish Steaks?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Citrus-Marinated Swordfish Steaks for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Citrus-Marinated Swordfish Steaks?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.