Why Cooking Swordfish Is Easier Than You Think

Swordfish is expensive and can be a slightly intimidating protein to work with. For some, fish is a challenge in itself, but certain proteins seem to be a bit more approachable for those with aversions to cooking fish at home. Without the ease of shrimp, the familiarity of tuna, or the convenience of canned seafood like crab, swordfish has fallen quite far down the list of go-to fish options. It's about time that changes, though. 

Swordfish is surprisingly simple to purchase and cook, it's healthful, and it's delicious when seasoned or cooked in nearly any manner. As Bon Appétit notes, swordfish is ultimately quite forgiving. No matter how it's dressed, marinated, prepared, seasoned, or cooked, it's always enjoyable. It can be broiled, grilled, sautéed, fried, roasted, or poached, and this is just a small sample of the ways in which it can be enjoyed. 

Another ease of purchasing and cooking swordfish is that it is almost always sold in individual steaks. These "steaks" are thick, durable, and sturdy, unlike a flimsy, flaky fish that disintegrates in a pan and can be a massive challenge to flip. Swordfish also has a meatier taste and texture which can increase its appeal to folks (via Cook Gem). When purchasing, the swordfish steaks should be about 1-inch in thickness, and "pale cream in color with tinges of pink," per Bon Appétit.

Due to swordfish's firm texture and demure flavor, it can act as a vehicle for more prominently flavored ingredients. It can be served alongside salsas or sauces; coated in herbs, bread crumbs, or nuts that have gone through a food processor; dunked in a citrus marinade; served with a bright sauce of tomatoes and onions; or prepared in myriad other capacities. Bon Appétit also notes that swordfish is "shockingly unfussy," touching on the vast range of manners in which it can be cooked. It also cooks up quite quickly: It only requires about 10 to 15 minutes in total to cook through. Finally, it's great cooked and then served cold!

Jane's Kitchen Miracles notes side dishes that go really well with swordfish, including slaws, salsa verdes, bright and acidic salads, sautéed greens, mushroom rice pilaf, and more. In addition, swordfish is also packed with "heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids," as noted by eHow, which means your dinner will be both delicious and beneficial to you.

When preparing swordfish, however, be sure to cook it with an ample amount of fat or cooking oil to ensure it doesn't stick to your cooking vessel (via Bon Appétit), and be mindful of not consuming swordfish on a daily basis. This is simply because of its mercury content, which can be scary, especially if you're pregnant or feeding young children (via eHow).

When served broiled or roasted with an herbaceous crust and a healthful side, swordfish can be a satisfying, terrific meal for the whole family — and it's practically foolproof to cook.