Pan-Seared Swordfish Steaks with Herb-Citrus Butter
Firm swordfish steaks pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a bright herb-citrus butter that adds a fresh California coastal flair. This american-inspired seafood (gluten free, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs 6 oz each swordfish steaks, olive oil, unsalted butter 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each swordfish steaks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the swordfish steaks to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving to develop a golden crust, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and opaque.
- Step 3: While the fish cooks, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Cook gently for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Remove swordfish from heat and spoon the warm herb-citrus butter over each steak. Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon for an elegant, California-inspired seafood main.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Swordfish Steaks with Herb-Citrus Butter 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 Pan-Seared Swordfish Steaks with Herb-Citrus Butter?
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 Pan-Seared Swordfish Steaks with Herb-Citrus Butter?
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 Pan-Seared Swordfish Steaks with Herb-Citrus Butter 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.
Is Pan-Seared Swordfish Steaks with Herb-Citrus Butter gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
