Grilled Swordfish with Mango Salsa is a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine, offering a tantalizing blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. This recipe, with its easy-to-follow steps and wholesome ingredients, is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire, especially during the summer months when fresh, light dishes reign supreme.
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serving: 2-3
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/8 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 scallion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 habanero peppers (adjust to taste), seeded and minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 swordfish steaks (about 6-8 ounces each)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Mango Salsa:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, scallion, minced habanero peppers, and fresh lime juice. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This vibrant salsa bursts with color and flavor, offering a tantalizing combination of sweetness from the mangoes, crunch from the bell pepper, and a hint of heat from the habanero peppers. Once mixed, cover the bowl and chill the salsa in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld and intensify while you prepare the rest of the dish.
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Season the Swordfish Steaks:
- Before grilling, season the swordfish steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the fish and prepares it for the grilling process.
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Preheat the Grill:
- Coat the grill rack with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect environment for achieving those beautiful grill marks and imparting a smoky flavor to the swordfish.
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Prepare the Basting Mixture:
- Create a basting mixture by combining equal parts extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lime juice in a small bowl. This flavorful mixture will add moisture and brightness to the swordfish as it cooks, enhancing its succulence and infusing it with zesty citrus notes.
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Grill the Swordfish:
- Once the grill is hot and ready, place the seasoned swordfish steaks directly onto the grill grates. Grill the swordfish over the medium-hot coals for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steaks. The fish is ready when it easily flakes with a fork and has developed a golden-brown crust on the outside. During the grilling process, baste the swordfish frequently with the olive oil and lime juice mixture, ensuring each bite is moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the swordfish is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. Top the grilled swordfish steaks with generous spoonfuls of the chilled mango salsa, allowing the vibrant colors and fresh flavors to take center stage. Alternatively, you can serve the mango salsa on the side as a refreshing condiment, allowing diners to customize each bite to their liking. With its harmonious blend of sweet mangoes, spicy peppers, and zesty lime juice, this mango salsa adds a delightful burst of tropical flair to every bite of succulent grilled swordfish.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 146.2
- Fat Content: 4.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 44.9mg
- Sodium Content: 57.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 11.8g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 9.7g
- Protein Content: 14.2g
Recipe Notes:
- Adjusting Heat Levels: The heat level of this dish can be adjusted to suit your personal preference. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can reduce the amount of habanero peppers or omit them entirely. Conversely, if you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to increase the quantity of peppers to amp up the heat.
- Serving Suggestions: Grilled swordfish with mango salsa pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, such as coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette. The refreshing flavors of the mango salsa complement the richness of the swordfish, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The mango salsa can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, allowing you to streamline the cooking process on busy days or when entertaining guests. Simply remove the salsa from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before serving to ensure maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Conclusion:
Grilled Swordfish with Mango Salsa is a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with every mouthwatering bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a romantic dinner for two, or simply craving a taste of tropical paradise, this recipe is sure to impress. With its easy preparation, wholesome ingredients, and irresistible flavor profile, Grilled Swordfish with Mango Salsa is destined to become a staple in your recipe collection. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you to sun-drenched shores and azure waters—all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Cheers to good food, good company, and unforgettable flavors!
