This dish is truly clever weeknight cooking - sophisticated, fast, unfussy and wholly delicious. Swordfish is cut into chunks, which cook faster than steaks, and then is sautéed in olive oil, butter or, for the best results, a combination of the two. The fat protects the fish from the heat of the pan, preventing the fish from drying out. It also provides lots of flavor, as do fennel seeds, garlic, lemon zest and red pepper flakes, which are added to the pan after the fish has cooked for a few minutes. Fennel fronds are a nice garnish, offering their light anise flavor and feathery texture, though you could use chopped fresh basil, parsley or cilantro instead. Cumin or coriander seeds can stand for the fennel seeds, or you can leave them out altogether and double the chile.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories dinner, quick, main course
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the skin off the swordfish, then cut the fish into 1-inch cubes. Season fish cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a heavy knife, lightly crush the fennel seeds to release their flavor.
- In a skillet large enough to hold all the fish cubes in one layer, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the fish to the pan and let cook, turning the fish and basting with the oil and butter, for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, fennel seeds, lemon zest and chile flakes and continue to cook, stirring gently so as not to break up the fish cubes, until the fish is just cooked through, about 2 minutes longer. Gently stir in the lemon juice. Taste and add more salt and chile flakes if desired. Garnish with fennel fronds and lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 323, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 34 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 448 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams
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Jessie Tarter
[email protected]This dish was easy to make and very tasty. The fish was cooked perfectly and the lemon and fennel flavors were delicious. I would definitely recommend this recipe.
joe Malaika
[email protected]I've made this dish several times and it's always a favorite. The fish is always cooked perfectly and the lemon and fennel flavors are a great combination.
sahidujjaman shahi
[email protected]This was a great recipe! The fish was cooked perfectly and the lemon and fennel flavors were delicious. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others.
Ahteshm Lilla
[email protected]I made this dish last night and it was a hit! My family loved it. The fish was moist and flavorful, and the sauce was light and lemony. I will definitely be making this again.
Sharoz Sheikh
[email protected]This dish was absolutely delicious! The fish was cooked perfectly and the lemon and fennel flavors were a perfect complement. I will definitely be making this again.