Grilled Swordfish With Barbecue Sauce
Description
This classic American grilled swordfish recipe delivers a robust, savory experience perfect for summer cookouts. The meaty swordfish fillets are first marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, oil, and garlic, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful. While the fish rests, a homemade barbecue sauce simmers down, combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, a touch of sugar, and a hint of heat from hot pepper sauce. The result is a beautifully charred fish topped with a glossy, tangy-sweet glaze that complements the dense texture of the swordfish. Its an impressive yet manageable main course that pairs wonderfully with grilled corn or a simple green salad, bringing restaurant-quality flavor to your backyard grill.Ingredients
Directions
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Place the swordfish fillets in a single layer in a shallow baking dish.
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In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the ketchup, lemon juice, oil, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
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Pour the marinade evenly over the fish, cover the dish, and refrigerate for about 1 hour, turning the fish once halfway through.
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Remove the fish from the marinade, reserving the liquid; set aside half of the reserved marinade for brushing while grilling.
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Combine the remaining half of the reserved marinade with the remaining ketchup, chopped onion, water, sugar, hot pepper sauce, and bay leaf in a saucepan.
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Simmer the sauce mixture over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors blend and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Preheat your grill to moderately hot; if using a standard grill, ensure the grates are well-greased to prevent sticking.
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Place the fish on the grill about 5 inches from the heat source and cook for 8 minutes on the first side.
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Baste the fish generously with the reserved marinade during the first 8 minutes of cooking.
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Turn the fish and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes, basting frequently with the hot barbecue sauce until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
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Transfer the grilled swordfish to serving plates and spoon the hot barbecue sauce over the top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 398.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12.3g19%
- Saturated Fat 2.6g13%
- Cholesterol 131.7mg44%
- Sodium 307.1mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 20.7g7%
- Dietary Fiber 5.8g24%
- Sugars 3.0g
- Protein 54.2g109%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Swordfish is a dense fish that holds up well on the grill. Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
For the barbecue sauce, you can substitute the bay leaf with a pinch of dried thyme or oregano if preferred.
Leftover barbecue sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before using.
If fresh swordfish is unavailable, high-quality frozen swordfish steaks work well. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before marinating.
To check if the fish is done, insert a fork into the thickest part and twist gently. If it flakes easily and is opaque in the center, it is ready.