Treat yourself to an elegant, restaurant-worthy dinner right in your own kitchen!
This Buttery Lemon Garlic Swordfish is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare. The tender, meaty swordfish fillets are seared to perfection and finished in the oven with a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce that brightens every bite. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you’re just craving something a little special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and buttery sauce with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic.
• Fresh, bright flavors that complement the hearty swordfish.
• Restaurant quality, made simply at home!
• Quick cooking time — ready in about 20 minutes.
• Perfectly seared and roasted for juicy, flavorful fish.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Garlic Mixture:

• 2 tbsp salted butter, softened to room temp
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped chives
• 2 tbsp garlic cloves, minced
• ⅛ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp grated lemon peel

For the Fish:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 swordfish fillets (1-inch thick, about 6–7 oz each)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the rack in the middle position.
In a small pan, stir together all the ingredients for the Lemon Garlic Mixture until well combined. Set aside. This will create a vibrant sauce for the fish!

2. Prepare the Swordfish

Pat the swordfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drying and seasoning the fish well is crucial for a good sear and full flavor.

3. Sear the Fish

In a large oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once hot, place the swordfish fillets in the pan and cook without moving them for about 3 minutes, until the underside is golden brown.

4. Finish in the Oven

Carefully flip the fillets. Turn off the stovetop and immediately transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
Roast the fish for 5–6 minutes, or just until the top is golden and the center is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook — swordfish is best when it remains moist and tender.

5. Prepare the Sauce

While the fish is finishing, heat the pan with your prepared lemon garlic mixture over medium-high heat.
Stir constantly for about 1 minute, just until the butter is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve

Plate the swordfish fillets and generously spoon the warm lemon garlic butter sauce over the top.
Garnish with extra chives or lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this delicious swordfish with:

• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• A fresh garden salad
• Crusty bread to soak up that lemony butter sauce!

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook: Swordfish can dry out quickly, so keep a close eye.
• Use an oven-safe pan: Make sure your pan is safe for both stovetop and oven use.
• Fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and chives really make the sauce sing!

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