If you are wondering what does swordfish taste like this post answer everything you need to know about this fish.
Have you ever eaten swordfish? If so, what did you think of it? If not, would you like to try it? This post will give you all the information you need to decide whether or not swordfish is the right seafood for you.
We’ll cover everything from taste and texture to nutrition and preparation. So read on to find out what swordfish tastes like and how to cook it perfectly!
Jump to:
- What is a swordfish
- How does swordfish look like
- What does swordfish taste like
- Swordfish meat texture
- What does swordfish smells like
- Does swordfish have mercury
- How to cook swordfish steaks
- Best seasonings for swordfish steak
- How long does swordfish last in fridge
- How to know if your swordfish is fresh or not
- What are other fishes you can use instead of swordfish
What is a swordfish
Swordfish, also known as broadbill, is a type of fish that lives in deep ocean waters. It has large eyes and very long bill; the body itself is cylindrical (not flat like tuna) with flesh that ranges from pinkish-white to dark red.
When cooked, swordfish can be dry yet still remain moist. When cooked rare, it’s actually quite delicious. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a dense texture with large flakes.
The most popular way to prepare swordfish is by grilling or broiling because it can be dry and tough if it isn’t properly prepared or cooked.
How does swordfish look like
Swordfish body structure is cylindrical (not flat like tuna) and large eyes and very long bill. The fish has flesh that ranges from pinkish-white to dark red; it is slightly fatty, but the meat is dense and flaky with mild, sweet smell.
What does swordfish taste like
Swordfish is a slightly fatty fish. It tastes similar to salmon and mako shark, but not as rich and oily as bluefin tuna.
Swordfish doesn’t have a strong fishy taste so if you are not a fan of that overpowering ocean taste then swordfish is a great option for you.
Does swordfish taste good?
It depends. Swordfish is usually a great introductory fish for those that aren’t big fans of seafood mainly because it has a very meaty and firm texture. It also has a delicate flavor without a of of the fishy taste and aroma people usually associate with seafood.
Does swordfish taste like salmon?
Swordfish is not as rich and oily as bluefin tuna, it has a mild, sweet smell and tastes similar to salmon.
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Does swordfish taste like tuna?
It has a somewhat similar flavor but it’s less oily than tuna. Some people describe it more similar to salmon.
You can think of it as a mild and meaty flavor without the fishiness.
Swordfish meat texture
Swordfish meat is dense and flaky. The meat should be a translucent pink/red with slightly off-white fat. If the fish has been previously frozen it will have a snow white appearance to the flesh.
What does swordfish smells like
Swordfish has a mild, sweet smell. It does not have the distinct fishy smell that other fishes have.
Fresh swordfish should have a distinct ocean smell. Stale swordfish on the other hand, has a pungent fish smell.
Does swordfish have mercury
Yes, swordfish contains mercury. Because of the fact that swordfish is found deep down in the ocean, it tends to pick up more mercury than other fish do.
How to cook swordfish steaks
The most conventional method used to cook swordfish steaks is by grilling or broiling. The meat should be cooked until it flake easily with a fork. However, the downside to this method is that if overcooked, the flesh can become dry and tough.
Grilling
is the best method for preparing swordfish steaks because it not only enhances the flavor of the fish, but retains most of the juices in the meat without drying it out.
Searing over high heat seals in all those natural juices and gives you a tender, delicate slice of fish every time.
Swordfish is very versatile so it can be flavored with just about anything. The fish is perfect for marinating and imparts a lovely flavor to your dish.
Frying
Another option you have is to fry your steaks.
Frying the fish in oil at a high heat won’t just give you an evenly browned exterior, it will also cook the flesh all the way through and develop a wonderfully crispy texture.
Normal cooking times: Swordfish steak – 8 to 10 minutes total. Flip once during cooking.
Roast
If you prefer to cook your fish in the oven, try roasting it. This method of cooking is great if you want a crisp and golden exterior and a moist and tender inside.
Steaming
Steaming is another option you have in cooking swordfish steaks. This method will retain the most moisture in your dish because no water or oil is used in this method of cooking.
Best seasonings for swordfish steak
Swordfish needs to be seasoned well with salt, pepper, lemon juice and olive oil before cooking to bring out the flavor. It tastes great on its own, but you can also serve it with some lemon wedges or tartar sauce.
How long does swordfish last in fridge
Fresh swordfish will keep for around 3 days in the fridge.
How to know if your swordfish is fresh or not
If you are not sure of how fresh your fish is, here’s what you can do to check if it has gone bad or not.
The fish has a certain ammonia smell that can be detected by people who are sensitive at picking up the scent. It will have an intense fishy smell, too high for your nose to stand.
If you notice any of these changes in the color of the meat, texture or smell your swordfish is not safe to eat anymore
What are other fishes you can use instead of swordfish
- Salmon: this fish has a similar texture to swordfish. It is not as rich and oily as bluefin tuna but it will still give you that packed flavor.
- Mako Shark: Mako shark’s meat is dense, flaky with slightly sweet smell compared to the strong “fishy” smell of bluefin tuna. However, it lacks the sweetness of swordfish.
- Tuna: Bluefin tuna is a rich, oily fish that has a flavor similar to swordfish but it will be much stronger. The meat is also tougher and denser than other fishes mentioned above.
- Mackerel: Mackerel has a unique flavor similar to bluefin tuna so if you don’t like the strong flavor of tuna, mackerel will give you a more subtle taste that is still packed with lots of flavors.
- Herring: This fish has a slightly salty and sweet taste to it compared to swordfish. It is also less fatty but it still gives you the same moist texture as other fishes.
- Pomfret: Pomfret is slightly less fatty than swordfish but it has a similar texture. It has a mild, sweet smell compared to the strong “fishy” smell of bluefin tuna.
- Tilapia: Tilapia’s meat is flaky and tender with sweet ocean flavor that isn’t too overpowering. However, it is a very bland fish compared to swordfish.
Swordfish is a delicious fish with a mild taste. If you are interested in trying swordfish, but don’t know what to expect before diving right in you can go and be more confident in your choice. Now at least you know what does swordfish taste like.
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