Swordfish Steaks With Peppercorn Butter

Swordfish Steaks With Peppercorn Butter is a bold and flavorful seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The meaty texture of swordfish steaks pairs beautifully with a rich, creamy peppercorn butter sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home. Quick to cook and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to impress seafood lovers and casual diners alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, elegant, and full of flavor. The meaty swordfish steaks pair beautifully with creamy, slightly spicy peppercorn butter, creating a sophisticated dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home.

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Rich flavor: Creamy peppercorn butter complements the firm, meaty texture of swordfish.
• Elegant presentation: Looks gourmet while being simple to make.
• Versatile: Pairs perfectly with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Swordfish is a lean, protein-rich fish, while the peppercorn butter adds richness and flavor. This dish provides a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and minimal carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and nutritious choice for dinner.

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 3g

Time Breakdown

With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this dish is ideal for busy evenings. You can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, high-quality ingredients make this dish shine. Fresh swordfish, creamy butter, aromatic black peppercorns, garlic, and lemon combine to create a bold, flavorful experience. A few pantry staples transform into a gourmet meal.

• 2 swordfish steaks (6–8 oz each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Having a short, clear grocery list ensures a stress-free shopping experience. All ingredients are easy to find, and together they create a rich, aromatic, and flavorful seafood dish that feels luxurious without complicated preparation.

• Swordfish steaks
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Black peppercorns
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make – Step by Step

Cooking swordfish steaks with peppercorn butter is straightforward. Searing the fish to perfection and finishing with a fragrant, creamy butter sauce ensures tender, juicy steaks with a rich, peppery finish every time.

1. Prepare the swordfish: Pat the steaks dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the steaks: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the swordfish steaks for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the peppercorn butter: In the same skillet, melt butter, then add crushed black peppercorns and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice.
4. Serve: Pour the peppercorn butter over the cooked swordfish steaks and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

This dish is versatile. You can substitute swordfish with tuna or mahi-mahi, add fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon, or include a pinch of chili flakes for heat. These small variations let you customize flavor while keeping the dish elegant.

• Fish alternatives: Tuna or mahi-mahi can be used instead of swordfish.
• Herbs: Add thyme or tarragon to the butter for a different herbal flavor.
• Heat: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Citrus twist: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus note.

Serving Suggestions

Swordfish steaks pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The peppercorn butter sauce enhances sides that can soak up its richness, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

• Pair with roasted asparagus or green beans for a fresh, light side.
• Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf to soak up the peppercorn butter.
• Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Storing Tips

Store cooked swordfish and peppercorn butter separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve moisture and prevent the fish from drying out.

• Leftovers: Store cooked swordfish and peppercorn butter separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on low heat to avoid drying out the fish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking swordfish can make it dry, and burning the butter can turn it bitter. Proper seasoning and gentle cooking ensure tender, flavorful steaks and a rich, creamy peppercorn sauce.

• Overcooking the swordfish: Swordfish is meaty but can become dry if overcooked. Cook just until opaque in the center.
• Burning the butter: Keep heat medium when making the peppercorn butter to prevent it from browning too quickly.
• Skipping seasoning: Proper seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the fish.

Chef’s Special Tips

Use freshly crushed black peppercorns for maximum aroma and flavor. Let the fish rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness, and lightly sear the edges for a golden, flavorful crust.

• Use freshly crushed black peppercorns for a more robust flavor.
• Let the swordfish rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.
• For extra flavor, lightly sear the edges of the fish to create a golden crust.

Conclusion

Swordfish Steaks With Peppercorn Butter is a quick, elegant, and flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. With its meaty texture and rich peppercorn butter, it delivers a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.

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