Swordfish Kebabs
Firm, meaty chunks of swordfish marinated in a zesty Mediterranean lemon-herb sauce and grilled to perfection with colorful vegetables. These skewers are a fantastic, healthy choice for your next summer barbecue, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Marinade and Fish
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Remove and set aside 2 tablespoons of the marinade to use for basting later.
- d.Pat the swordfish cubes dry with a paper towel and add them to the bowl with the remaining marinade. Gently toss to coat evenly.
- e.Let the fish marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Do not marinate for longer than 30 minutes, as the lemon juice will start to 'cook' the fish and affect its texture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the Kebabs
- b.While the fish is marinating, if you are using wooden skewers, make sure they are soaking in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- c.Thread the marinated swordfish cubes and vegetable pieces onto the skewers, alternating between fish, bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini.
- d.Leave a small space (about 1/4 inch) between each piece to ensure they cook evenly from all sides.
- e.Continue until all ingredients are used, which should yield about 8 kebabs.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Kebabs
- b.Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). Clean the grates well and lightly oil them with a high-smoke-point oil to prevent sticking.
- c.Place the kebabs on the hot grill, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- d.Grill for 8-10 minutes total, turning the skewers every 2-3 minutes for even cooking and char marks.
- e.During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the kebabs with the reserved 2 tablespoons of marinade.
- f.The swordfish is cooked when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 135-140°F (57-60°C) for a juicy result.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the kebabs from the grill and transfer them to a clean platter.
- c.Let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, making it more tender.
- d.Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, pat the swordfish cubes completely dry before adding them to the marinade. This helps the marinade adhere better.
- 2Cut your swordfish and vegetables into uniform 1.5-inch pieces. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
- 3Do not over-marinate the swordfish. The acidity from the lemon juice can break down the protein and make the fish mushy if left for too long.
- 4Ensure your grill is properly preheated and the grates are clean and oiled. This is the key to getting great char marks and preventing the fish from sticking.
- 5If you don't have an outdoor grill, you can cook these on a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat or under your oven's broiler.
- 6These kebabs pair wonderfully with couscous, a fresh Greek salad, or grilled pita bread with tzatziki sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This marinade works well with other firm fish like mahi-mahi, halibut, or tuna. You can also use large shrimp or chicken breast cubes, adjusting the grilling time accordingly.
Vegetable AdditionsVegetable Additions
Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, button mushrooms, or yellow summer squash to the skewers.
Spicy MarinadeSpicy Marinade
For a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika into the marinade for a delicious, smoky depth of flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Swordfish is an excellent source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for supporting brain health, reducing inflammation, and promoting a healthy cardiovascular system.
High-Quality Lean Protein
This dish provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
The colorful bell peppers, onion, and zucchini contribute vital nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium, while swordfish is a great source of immune-boosting selenium and Vitamin D.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, they are very healthy. Swordfish is a fantastic source of lean protein and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. The vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this a well-balanced meal.