Swordfish Steaks With Peppercorn Butter
Swordfish Steaks With Peppercorn Butter is a quick and elegant dish that pairs the firm, meaty texture of swordfish with a creamy, zesty butter sauce infused with freshly cracked peppercorns and lemon juice. This flavorful recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a simple weekday meal, ready in under 30 minutes and ideal for pairing with a variety of sides to create a wholesome, gourmet experience.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 thick swordfish steaks (about 6 oz each), fresh
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Prepare the Steaks: Pat the swordfish steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt. This ensures a nice crust forms when searing and helps flavors penetrate the meat.
- Sear the Swordfish: Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the swordfish steaks in the pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep them moist and tender.
- Make the Peppercorn Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and freshly cracked black peppercorns, then stir in fresh lemon juice. Let the flavors meld for a couple of minutes, but do not let the butter brown.
- Combine and Serve: Place the swordfish steaks on plates and spoon the warm peppercorn butter generously over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Choose fresh or responsibly sourced swordfish steaks for optimal flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook swordfish; pull it from heat as soon as it becomes opaque and flakes slightly.
- Use coarsely cracked peppercorns instead of ground pepper for added texture and intense flavor.
- Use high-quality unsalted butter for a clean, rich sauce without excess salt.
- Let the cooked steaks rest for a few minutes to seal in juices and improve tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 swordfish steak with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Swordfish, peppercorn butter, seafood recipe, quick dinner, gluten free, seared fish, fish steaks