Ever wondered to yourself, what does swordfish taste like? Well, look no further! We’ve got you covered with all the juicy details about swordfish
Swordfish is one of those seafood items that you either love or you hate. There is hardly any in-between! For those who have never had swordfish before, it can be a bit daunting.
It is a large fish with a muscular body and a long flatsword-like bill. It is also one of the pricier seafood items on the market.
Swordfish has long been considered a delicacy. But do you know how great it tastes? Swordfish are large predatory fish that grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length.
It originates from the Indo-Pacific region and inhabits tropical waters worldwide. The flesh of swordfish is white or yellowish, firm, and rich in flavor.
Swordfish is a very fatty fish. Its meat contains around 50% fat, which makes it quite dense. This means that it takes longer to cook than other lean fishes. So, what does swordfish taste like?
What Does Swordfish Taste Like?
The taste of swordfish depends on its size and age. Young swordfish are more tender and have a milder flavor than older ones. Swordfish is often served as sushi.
However, it can be cooked with many ingredients and spices and served on its own. We look at the taste of this fish in closer detail and how it is served to make up a delicious dinner.
What Is Swordfish?
Swordfish are large predatory fish that grow up to 3 meters (about 10 feet). It belongs to the family Xiphiidae and lives in warm seas throughout the world.
In Japanese cuisine, swordfish are known by various names such as ikura, tai, kamaboko, and hirame. In English, it is simply called swordfish and this is what it is known in most places across the globe.
The name “swordfish” comes from the shape of their dorsal fin. They have two fins on each side of their body. These fins resemble a sword.
Swordfish are found in all oceans except for polar regions. They prefer shallow water and live near coral reefs. Their diet consists mainly of small fish, squid, octopus, shrimp, crabs, and jellyfish.
Swordfish is one of the most popular kinds of seafood in Japan. They are usually sold fresh or frozen, and they can be cooked and seasoned in a variety of ways.
What Does Swordfish Taste Like?
Swordfish is a mild, sweet fish. Its meat is dense and moist. It almost tastes similar to beef steak in this way. It’s a great fish for those who are new to eating fish as it doesn’t taste too ‘fishy tasting’.
Swordfish offers a rich flavor but contains a high amount of oil. They contain almost 30% oil in their fillets, which is the opposite of whitefish such as the catfish or walleye which both contain a lot less oil in their liver.
Swordfish is an oily fish that does not come apart easily in flakes. It is meaty textured and this is what sets it aside from other fishes out there. It is often served like a steak, and you will need a knife to cut it into smaller pieces.
It has an overall mild flavor and a dense texture. It has a stronger flavor than tuna however for comparison and has more oil than marlin. It also has a stronger flavor than mahi-mahi fish.
Fresh swordfish will taste great on its own or even with a simple coating of olive oil and salt and pepper.
However, to give it some extra flavoring you can add any herbs and spices you would normally add to fish or steak such as basil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika, mint, or chili.
How Do You Cook Swordfish?
Cooking methods depend on the type of food you want to prepare. For example, if you use a grill pan, you will need to remove the skin before grilling.
Grilled swordfish is also good when it is marinated first. Marinating helps to soften the texture of the fish. When preparing grilled swordfish, remember to season it well. Seasoning gives the fish a unique flavor.
However, there are several ways to cook swordfish:
Grill: Grill swordfish over medium heat until the surface turns golden brown. Remove the fish from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve it immediately.
Broil: Broil swordfish under high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the fish from the broiler and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Serve it right away.
Bake: Bake swordfish in an oven set at 350 °F (180 °C) for 20–30 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the fish inside for another 15 minutes. Let it cool down completely before serving.
Deep-fry: Deep-fry swordfish in hot oil for 4–6 minutes per side. Drain the excess oil and serve the fish immediately.
Sauté: Sauté swordfish cubes in butter or olive oil for 5–8 minutes per side. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Poach: Poach swordfish in simmering water for 8–10 minutes per side. Remove it from the poaching liquid and drain the excess liquid. Serve it immediately.
How To Make A Tasty Fish Dish With Swordfish
Swordfish tastes great on its own, but when cooked in spice, seasoning, or marinade, you can adjust the taste to your preferences.
You could also add it to a soup or salad which will lessen the powerful flavor if you want a more subtle taste. Here are some example recipes that include swordfish:
Swordfish Steak Recipe
Ingredients
2 lbs swordfish steak
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sake
1/4 cup mirin
1/4 cup sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger root, minced
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Directions
Mix soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, garlic, ginger, and green onion. Pour this mixture into a baking dish. Place the swordfish steaks in the baking dish.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes at 375 °F (190 °C). Remove the cover and continue baking for another 10 minutes.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the fish and return them to the oven for 1 minute. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Swordfish Soup Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup rice wine
1 lb swordfish, cubed
12 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced
2 scallions, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger root, peeled and minced
1/2 tsp red chili flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and add the rice wine. Cook for 3 minutes. Add the swordfish cubes and cook for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Add the mushrooms and cook for another 15 minutes. Add the scallions, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and salt and pepper to taste and stir well. Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
We hope after reading this article you have learned all things swordfish and how it tastes, either on its own or when seasoned with your favorite spices and rubs.
It has a mild flavor and is great for those who are new to eating fish, wanting a fish with a less ‘fish-tasting’ flavor. It’s delicious, rich, and makes for a great soup, salad, or main dish.
Your turn! have you tried swordfish? What does swordfish taste like to you?
For more frequently asked questions, visit our index of food-related questions and answers. Here are a few suggestions for you:
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