Citrus Burst: Grilled Swordfish with Vibrant Citrus Salsa

Swordfish, known for its meaty texture and mild flavor, is a fantastic canvas for bold and bright flavors. This recipe elevates grilled swordfish to a whole new level with a zesty citrus marinade and a vibrant citrus salsa that’s bursting with freshness. The combination is a symphony of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also relatively easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this stunning Citrus Swordfish with Citrus Salsa!

Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Explosion:** The citrus marinade infuses the swordfish with a bright, tangy flavor that complements its mildness perfectly. The citrus salsa adds another layer of flavor and texture, creating a delightful contrast.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Swordfish is a lean source of protein, and the citrus fruits are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants. This recipe is a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
* **Quick and Easy:** With minimal prep time and a short cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The salsa can be made ahead of time, further streamlining the process.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The vibrant colors of the citrus salsa make this dish visually appealing, perfect for entertaining guests.

Ingredients

For the Citrus Marinade:

* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Citrus Salsa:

* 1 orange, peeled and segmented, chopped
* 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented, chopped
* 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
* 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

For the Swordfish:

* 4 (6-ounce) swordfish steaks, about 1 inch thick
* Olive oil for grilling
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Citrus wedges for garnish

Equipment

* Grill or grill pan
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Zester (optional, for extra citrus zest)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Citrus Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Swordfish

Place the swordfish steaks in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the citrus marinade over the swordfish, ensuring that each steak is thoroughly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 2 hours, as the acid in the citrus juices can start to break down the fish and make it mushy.

Step 3: Prepare the Citrus Salsa

While the swordfish is marinating, prepare the citrus salsa. In a separate medium bowl, combine the chopped orange segments, grapefruit segments, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeno (if using), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more lime juice for tanginess or a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor. Cover the salsa and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F or 190-230°C). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent the swordfish from sticking.

Step 5: Grill the Swordfish

Remove the swordfish steaks from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the swordfish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help it sear properly. Lightly brush the swordfish steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place the swordfish steaks on the preheated grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the swordfish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and the heat of your grill. Be careful not to overcook the swordfish, as it can become dry.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the grilled swordfish steaks from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Spoon a generous amount of the citrus salsa over each swordfish steak. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs or citrus wedges, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of citrus flavors!

Tips for Success

* **Choose Fresh Swordfish:** Look for swordfish steaks that are firm, moist, and have a fresh, clean smell. Avoid swordfish that looks dry, discolored, or has a fishy odor.
* **Don’t Over-Marinate:** Marinating the swordfish for too long can make it mushy. Stick to the recommended marinating time of 30 minutes to 2 hours.
* **Preheat the Grill Properly:** A hot grill is essential for getting a good sear on the swordfish and preventing it from sticking.
* **Don’t Overcook the Swordfish:** Swordfish can dry out easily if overcooked. Cook it until it is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Make the Salsa Ahead of Time:** Preparing the citrus salsa ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful salsa.
* **Adjust the Heat:** If you’re not a fan of spicy food, omit the jalapeno pepper from the citrus salsa.
* **Use a Grill Basket:** If you’re concerned about the swordfish sticking to the grill, you can use a grill basket. Lightly oil the grill basket before placing the swordfish on it.
* **Add Some Zest:** For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of orange, lemon, or lime zest to the marinade or the salsa.

Variations

* **Herb Crusted:** Before grilling, press chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary onto the swordfish steaks.
* **Spicy Marinade:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
* **Avocado Salsa:** Replace the citrus salsa with an avocado salsa for a creamy and refreshing twist. Combine diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl.
* **Grilled Pineapple Salsa:** Add grilled pineapple chunks to the citrus salsa for a tropical flavor. Grill the pineapple until it is slightly caramelized.
* **Mediterranean Style:** Marinate the swordfish in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve with a Greek salad.

Serving Suggestions

This Citrus Swordfish with Citrus Salsa is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides.

* **Grilled Vegetables:** Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob are all excellent choices.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve the swordfish with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful salsa.
* **Roasted Potatoes:** Roasted potatoes with herbs and garlic make a hearty and satisfying side dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the rich swordfish.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the citrus salsa.

Make Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** The citrus salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The swordfish can be marinated up to 2 hours in advance.
* **Storage:** Leftover cooked swordfish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The citrus salsa can be stored separately for up to 2 days. Reheat the swordfish gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. The salsa is best served cold.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 40-45g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Conclusion

This Citrus Swordfish with Citrus Salsa is a winning combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress. The bright citrus marinade and vibrant salsa perfectly complement the meaty swordfish, creating a dish that’s both healthy and delicious. With its quick and easy preparation, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a taste of summer with this unforgettable recipe!

Enjoy!