Seared Citrus-Marinated Swordfish Steaks

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

Firm swordfish steaks marinated in a vibrant citrus and herb blend, then seared to golden perfection for a bright summer seafood main. This Mediterranean-inspired summer cookout recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs swordfish steaks, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a glass dish, combine 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Whisk in 2 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each) to the marinade, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to infuse bright citrus flavors.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Remove swordfish from marinade, letting excess drip off, and sear each steak for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to plates and spoon reserved marinade warmed slightly over the top if desired, serving immediately for a fresh summer seafood entree.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Seared Citrus-Marinated Swordfish Steaks?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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

Mediterranean summer cookout 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.

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