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Grilled Swordfish With Dill and Caper Butter Sauce

This brightly flavored swordfish is patio dinner perfection with fresh dill, briny capers, and hints of lemon.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Author: Dana Sandonato

Ingredients

  • 2 4-6 oz sustainable swordfish fillets
  • 2 TBSP olive oil
  • Kosher salt and cracked black pepper

Dill and Caper Butter Sauce

  • 3 TBSP butter
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon, + zest
  • 2 TBSP chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tsp capers drained

Instructions

Preparing the grill for fish

  • Pre-heat the grill to medium-high heat. Dip a wad of paper towels in some oil and, holding the wad with tongs, wipe the grate. Do this multiple times re-dipping the towels in oil as needed until the grate is black and glossy. This may take 5-7 oily wipes. This process "seasons" the grill for you, much like a cast iron pan, so your fish won't stick to the grate.

Preparing the fish

  • Blot the fillets with a paper towel and brush top and bottom sides with olive oil, then season with kosher salt and pepper.
  • Place the fish skin-side down on an angle, diagonal to the grate slats.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, cover the grill, and cook for about 2 to 4 minutes without moving the fish until the skin side is crispy and golden brown. With a spatula, try to lift a fillet after 2 minutes; if it doesn’t want to let go of the grill, continue to cook, checking at 30-second intervals, until it wants to release.
  • When ready, flip the fish over using two spatulas for better control. Remember to keep the fish diagonal to the grate slats.
  • Cover the grill and cook for approx. 3-7 minutes (this really depends on the thickness of your fillet). Your fish is ready when the center is heated to 145 degrees F and is opaque.

Dill and Caper Butter Sauce

  • Once the fish is ready, heat a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • Add the butter, and once melted, add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Bring it to a light simmer, then add the fresh herbs and the capers. Stir well, and keep the simmer for approx 30 seconds. Reduce heat.
  • Spoon the butter sauce over the fillets upon serving.

Notes

The butter sauce is quick to make, so you start it right before serving.  If you start it early and let it sit, the butter will develop a film and thicken.