Mediterranean Swordfish Tartare Recipe
Introduction
Swordfish tartare is an incredibly refreshing and flavorful dish, perfect for those who love fresh seafood. Combining the rich, meaty texture of swordfish with the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean herbs, this dish is a delightful appetizer or light main course. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to create this exquisite tartare using a blend of fresh ingredients like Pachino tomatoes, capers, and a zesty lemon-infused olive oil dressing.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Swordfish fillet | 300g |
| Pachino tomatoes | 150g |
| Shallot | 25g |
| Capers | 3g |
| Fresh basil | 3g |
| Fresh marjoram | 3g |
| Fresh parsley | 3g |
| Fresh mint | 2g |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 120g |
| Fine sea salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by finely chopping the shallot. This will add a subtle sweetness to the tartare, enhancing the overall flavor.
Next, finely chop the fresh herbs: marjoram, parsley, basil, and mint. These herbs will bring a fragrant Mediterranean essence to the dish.
Step 2: Making the Lemon Emulsion
To create the emulsion, zest the lemon using a grater, ensuring you only remove the yellow part of the skin to avoid any bitterness.
Place the zest in a blender or use an immersion blender to mix the zest with the extra virgin olive oil. Blend until the mixture emulsifies and thickens slightly, creating a smooth, lemon-infused oil that will dress the tartare.
Step 3: Preparing the Tomatoes
Slice the Pachino tomatoes into quarters and remove the seeds, as they can make the tartare too watery. Once you’ve removed the seeds, dice the tomatoes finely. These small, juicy tomato pieces will complement the swordfish beautifully.
Step 4: Preparing the Swordfish
The swordfish is the star of this dish, so it’s important to ensure it’s fresh and safe to eat raw. We recommend purchasing swordfish that has been frozen according to safety standards (at -18°C for 96 hours). This helps eliminate any parasites that might be present in raw fish.
Remove the skin from the swordfish fillet, then cut it into thin slices (about ½ cm thick). If you prefer a cleaner cut, place the swordfish in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing, as this will firm it up and make it easier to cut into a fine dice.
Once sliced, dice the swordfish into small cubes, ensuring the pieces are uniform for a refined texture.
Step 5: Assembling the Tartare
In a large bowl, combine the diced swordfish with the diced tomatoes, freshly chopped herbs, and capers. Stir gently to combine, allowing the ingredients to mingle without breaking down the delicate fish.
Add the lemon zest and the emulsion, then toss everything together until the mixture is well-coated. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The balance of flavors should be bright and tangy, with a hint of saltiness from the capers.
Step 6: Plating and Serving
To plate the tartare, use a ring mold for a neat, professional presentation or simply spoon the tartare onto a plate in a generous mound. Garnish with a few extra fresh herb leaves or additional lemon zest for an added touch of color and flavor.
Serve immediately, allowing your guests to experience the freshness of the Mediterranean with each bite.
Tips for the Best Mediterranean Swordfish Tartare
- Freshness is key: Always use the freshest fish you can find, and be sure it’s been properly frozen for safety.
- Let the flavors meld: After mixing the ingredients, let the tartare sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Chill the fish: For the best texture, chill the swordfish before dicing it. This makes it easier to cut cleanly.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon zest to your personal taste. The freshness of the herbs and citrus will shine through, but a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon can elevate the flavor.
Conclusion
Mediterranean swordfish tartare is a sophisticated and light dish that showcases the flavors of the sea and vibrant herbs. Whether you’re looking for a fresh starter or a light main course, this recipe will impress your guests with its bold flavors and elegant presentation.
