Baked Lemon Swordfish: An Easy Recipe for the Nativity

When it comes to fasting, simplicity and nutrition are key. This easy baked swordfish recipe checks all the boxes: it's wholesome, quick to prepare, and perfect for maintaining balance during fast days. With the flavorful blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, you’ll have a satisfying meal without compromising your spiritual focus.

🍋 Why You Will Love This Recipe

This baked swordfish steak recipe was inspired by the need for a simple yet nutritious meal that fits seamlessly into a Christian Orthodox fasting schedule. Swordfish, often called the "steak of the sea," provides a great source of protein and essential fatty acids—perfect for balancing your diet during fasting periods. The lemon garlic mixture infuses every bite with a flavor explosion, and its mild flavor makes it a popular choice even for young children. Plus, this is a great option for busy families seeking a quick and delicious fish dish to anchor their weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

1 - Key Ingredients

For the Lemon Garlic Mixture:

• 2 TB salted vegan butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 TB freshly chopped chives
• 2 TB garlic cloves, minced
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 TB juice from fresh lemon
• 1 TB grated lemon peel

For the Fish:

• 2 TB avocado oil. Feel free to use extra virgin olive oil during non fasting days
• 2 swordfish fillets, about 6-7 oz each and 1-inch thick. They can be easily found at any grocery store. Make sure that they are of similar thickness.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 - Variations

Fasting days require creativity, so here are some variations to improve your swordfish taste that stay within the rules:

• Extra Herbs: Swap chives for fresh parsley, fresh thyme, or fresh rosemary to customize the herbaceous flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
• Zesty Boost: Include thin lemon slices on top of the swordfish for a burst of citrus during cooking.

Instructions

1 - Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F, placing the rack in the middle position.
2. Prepare Lemon Garlic Mixture: In a small pot mix together softened butter, chopped chives, minced garlic cloves, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until fully combined and set aside. You can also use a baking dish, or a small bowl instead of a small pot if you are going to heat up these ingredients in a microwave later on.
3. Dry and Season Swordfish: Use paper towels to pat the swordfish fillets dry. Sprinkle both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Sear the Swordfish: Heat the oil in a large, oven-proof pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place swordfish fillets in the pan and sear until golden brown on one side (about 3 minutes). Avoid moving the fish during this step.
5. Bake in the Oven: Flip the fillets, turn off the heat, and immediately transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 5-6 minutes until the top of the swordfish is golden and the thickest part of the fish reaches an internal temperature of 135°F. Note that baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steaks.
6. Finish with Lemon Garlic Mixture: During the last minute of baking, melt the lemon garlic mixture over medium heat until bubbly or in your microwave. Drizzle over the cooked fish and serve immediately.

2 - Cooking Tips & Serving Suggestions

• Get Even Cooking: Choose swordfish steaks that are the same size and thickness. Thicker pieces take longer to cook, so mismatched sizes can lead to uneven results.
• Track the Internal Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the swordfish throughout the cooking process. Variations in steak thickness, oven temperature, and cooking time make this crucial. Remove steaks from the heat at 135°F, as they will continue to cook and reach 145°F while resting.
• Dry the Steaks Properly: Remove swordfish from store wrapping when partially thawed and let them dry on a wire rack. This prevents excess moisture that can interfere with searing. After seasoning with salt, allow the steaks to dry brine in the fridge for a couple of hours on a wire rack. This enhances flavor and promotes a better sear.
• Last-Minute Seasoning: If you can’t dry brine, season the dried steaks with salt just before cooking to achieve a perfect sear.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For even heat distribution, cook swordfish in a cast iron skillet. Avoid moving the steaks during cooking to develop a golden crust.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the steaks to rest, covered, at room temperature for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute juices and finalizes the texture.
• Texture Check: Properly cooked swordfish will feel firm but not tough. Overcooked swordfish becomes dry and fibrous, while undercooked steaks will feel mushy or overly soft.

🚼 Storage Instructions

1 - Making A Batch For Later

• Prep Ahead: Double the recipe and sear additional swordfish fillets. Store uncooked, seasoned fillets in an airtight container layered with parchment paper in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Separate Ingredients: Keep the lemon garlic mixture separate in a small container for easy reheating.

2 - Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Place leftover swordfish in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap fillets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Label with the date for reference.

3 - How to Reheat?

• Thaw and Reheat: Thaw frozen fillets in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place swordfish on a baking sheet, and cover with foil. Reheat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
• Prevent Drying Out: Brush with extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to retain moisture.

🍲 Side Dishes

Complete your baked swordfish recipe with these delightful sides:

1. Farro Salad with Butternut and Avocado: A nutty, hearty salad that complements the meaty texture of the swordfish.
2. Easy Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavor bomb of the lemon garlic butter.
3. Roasted Green Beans: A quick and healthy side that balances the richness of the fish.

This easy recipe for baked swordfish recipe is the perfect dish to anchor your fasting days, providing both nutrition and flavor to sustain you. Whether you're preparing for weeknight dinners or looking for a great source of protein during fasts, this recipe is a good choice for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Share your star rating or feedback—I'd love to hear how it turned out for you!

📝 Recipe Card

❓ Frequently Asked Questions