Try this easy blackened swordfish recipe. Coat thick swordfish steaks in Cajun seasoning and sear them in a hot cast-iron skillet. In just 15 minutes, you get bold flavor, a smoky crust, and a juicy center.
½teaspooncayenne pepper,use extra to add more heat
1 teaspoondried thyme
1teaspoondried oregano
1tablespoonsalt
1teaspoonground black pepper
FOR THE FISH
1 ½poundsswordfish steak,defrosted if frozen
2tablespoonsolive oilor melted butter
2lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
FOR THE BLACKENING SEASONING
Whisk together all the spices in a big bowl. Make sure all the spices are blended so there aren't any hot spots.
Scatter the blackening seasoning on a dinner plate or in a large shallow bowl.
TO PREPARE THE SWORDFISH
To defrost frozen swordfish, place it in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, submerge it in a bowl of cold water for about an hour, changing the water every 15 minutes to keep it cold.
If you have fresh swordfish that still has the bloodline, cut it away. Rinse the fish under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
Lightly brush the fish with oil or melted butter.
Press the fish into the blackening seasoning on one side.
TO COOK THE SWORDFISH
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat in a 10-inch skillet. Heat for two minutes until hot, but not smoking.
Place the fish, spices-side down, in the hot oil in the pan. Sear the fish for 3 minutes and then flip to cook the second side. Lower the heat and cook another 3–4 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 145 °F (62°C).
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
How to Know When It's Done: You can check if your swordfish is finished cooking the same way you test a steak. Press the flesh firmly with your index finger. It should give slightly. The FDA recommends cooking swordfish to an internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C) or until the flesh is opaque.If You Have a Thick Piece of Swordfish: If your swordfish that is larger than 1 inch thick, follow the instructions as given. After you flip the fish in the pan, move the whole skillet to a preheated 350°F oven. Give it 10 minutes (or less) in the oven to finish cooking. Tip: For more details about our Cajun seasoning blend, visit Blackened Seasoning.Want more recipes like this? Check out all of our Blackened Seafood Recipes for more inspiration.