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    Home » Seafood

    Grilled Swordfish with Basil Pesto

    Published: Aug 9, 2017 · Modified: Nov 23, 2023 · 9 Comments

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    (ad) Grilled Swordfish with Basil Pesto: This easy fish recipe features swordfish steaks brushed with basil and olive oil pesto, and grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer!

    This Grilled Swordfish with Basil Pesto is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed main course that's perfect for barbecues and cookouts!

    Basil Pesto Grilled Swordfish Cut into Strips

    The last time I talked swordfish here at Champagne Tastes, I was in full training mode.

    I was training, both on the trail and at the gym, for my Grand Canyon backpacking trip, and wanted to switch up my diet with some meatier fish. So, I grabbed some fish steaks and made this seared citrus swordfish.

    This past May, after eating tons of protein-packed fish, and completing months of preparation-- we laced up our hiking boots, strapped on our backpacks, grabbed our hiking sticks-- and headed down the South Kaibab Trail on a hike into the Grand Canyon.

    Seven hours later, after gawking at mountain goats, unbelievable views, and a few (pretty smelly) mule trains, celebrating by sticking our toes in the mighty Colorado River, made camp, and then rested our worn-out feet in Bright Angel Creek right next to our tent.

    And then the next morning, before the sun even thought about rising, we packed up our tent and bags using flashlights, and headed back out along the Bright Angel Trail.

    When we got home, instead of switching up my gym routine (as I intended to), I kept right on canyon-training-- because I need to stand inside that beast of a canyon again!

    Maybe you've been hitting the trails too, or maybe you just love (or want to try) denser, meatier cuts of fish.

    Swordfish, much like ahi tuna, is usually sold in thick steaks instead of fillets.

    Swordfish steaks hold up beautifully on the grill, and these Grilled Swordfish with Basil Pesto steaks are EASY to cook, and ready in minutes!

    What Does Swordfish Taste Like?

    Are you familiar with swordfish?  

    Quite honestly, the first time I bought it, it was on a whim.

    Then I got home, stared at it, and thought, "What in the world do I do with this?"  If you are also staring in confusion at piece of swordfish, here's what you need to know.

    Swordfish has a firm, solid texture, similar to mahi mahi.  If you know a self-proclaimed 'fish hater' try feeding them swordfish.

    It has a mild, delicate flavor, and isn't 'fishy' at all.

    Swordfish on a Charcoal Grill

    What is Basil Pesto?  Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?

    Basil pesto is a mixture of fresh basil, olive oil, nuts, and (sometimes) Parmesan cheese.

    For this recipe, you can use either homemade or store-bought basil pesto. I love to use my homemade dairy-free basil pesto.

    Shopping Tip: When you're shopping for pesto, try to find a jar that lists 'basil' ahead of 'oil' on the ingredients list-- the flavor will be better!

    How to Make Grilled Swordfish

    To make this Grilled Swordfish, start by heating up your grill!  While the grill heats up, take your (now thawed) swordfish steaks and pat them dry.

    Sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and then generously rub some basil pesto over both sides.

    Once the grill is hot, set the swordfish steaks on the grill, and let them cook about three minutes per side.

    Serve these seafood steaks while they're still hot, and enjoy your thick and meaty cut of swordfish!

    Want more tips about how to grill seafood?  Check out this post on How to Grill Fish! 

    Basil Pesto Grilled Swordfish Cut and Ready to Be Served
    This Basil Pesto Grilled Swordfish is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed main course that's perfect for barbecues and cookouts!
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    5 from 4 votes

    Grilled Swordfish with Basil Pesto

    This Grilled Swordfish with Basil Pesto is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed main course that's perfect for barbecues and cookouts!
    Author: Sarah Trenalone
    Prep Time9 minutes mins
    Cook Time6 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 221kcal
    Freezer Friendly?
    No
    Will It Keep?
    No
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    Ingredients

    • 2 swordfish steaks (about 4-ounces each)
    • pinch sea salt
    • 2 tablespoons basil pesto
    • fresh herbs to garnish, such as diced basil or green onion (optional)

    Instructions

    • Preheat grill to high. 
    • While grill preheats, pat swordfish steaks dry and season both sides with salt.  Rub a thin layer of basil pesto over both sides of the steaks.  
    • Once the grill is hot, grill steaks for 3 minutes.  Flip, and grill for 3 more minutes.  Serve immediately, adding herb garnish if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 221kcal (11%) | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g (46%) | Fat: 13g (20%) | Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 76mg (25%) | Sodium: 465mg (20%) | Potassium: 474mg (14%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 438IU (9%) | Calcium: 30mg (3%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!

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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

    5 from 4 votes

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    Comments

    1. Hope says

      August 14, 2017 at 11:19 pm

      5 stars
      I love swordfish although I haven't eaten it for a long time, your post has reminded me that I need some! The basil pesto sounds like the perfect topping for it. Your Grand Canyon Backpacking trip sounds amazing!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes says

        August 15, 2017 at 12:06 pm

        Yay! Let me know if you try it out! And thanks- it was amazing!!! I want to go back 😀

        Reply
    2. Allison - Celebrating Sweets says

      August 14, 2017 at 11:25 pm

      I've never had swordfish before - crazy, right?! I have to try this!

      Reply
    3. Meg | Meg is Well says

      August 15, 2017 at 11:04 pm

      5 stars
      I had a firepot swordfish once at a restaurant that was amazing but since then, zilch. This is making me crave it now!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes says

        August 16, 2017 at 8:11 am

        Oooo firepot swordfish sounds delicious!!!!

        Reply
    4. Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says

      August 20, 2017 at 9:59 pm

      5 stars
      Swordfish has always been one of my favorites, though I've never tried it with pesto before. Sounds like a great combo!

      Reply
    5. Amanda says

      August 21, 2017 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      Gorgeous recipe. I absolutely love grilled swordfish steaks. They're so substantial and meaty, but also not terribly heavy when you eat them. I love the idea of grilling with basil pesto! What a perfect summery accompaniment. I'm picking up some swordfish steaks this week and making this! Will look for the Orca Bay at Costco.

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes says

        August 21, 2017 at 10:16 am

        Aren't they fabulous!? Enjoy!!!

        Reply
    6. Sean@Diversivore says

      August 21, 2017 at 7:56 pm

      I've cooked a lot of different kinds of fish, but swordfish isn't super easy to come by here, and it's one that I haven't tackled yet. I love what you've done with it here, and I've heard that it's a dream to work with. The pesto sounds like a lovely pairing for a meatier fish, and I love how basil works with fish in general, so I'm sold. Now, to find a canyon to trek into...
      Cheers 🙂

      Reply
    bio

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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