Sicilian-Style Swordfish

Sicilian Swordfish is a famous Sicilian dish. This seafood dish is very easy and quick to prepare, but the regional ingredients make this dish very special. It is also called “Messina style swordfish”. It originates from eastern Sicily, especially Messina. This tasty sauce is perfect for making scarpetta. This sauce also goes well with pasta.

CONTENT OF RECIPE

Ingredients/ingredienti	4 Swordfish Steaks 1 Medium Onion, Finely Chopped 2 Cloves Garlic Chopped 4 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 Cup Canned Diced Tomatoes 1 Small Bunch Fresh Parsley, Chopped Salt and Pepper to Taste 2 Tablespoons Capers (Rinsed And Dried) 1/2 Cup Chopped Black Olives Juice of One Lemon (Optional) 1/2 Cup Dry White Wine (Optional)
Cooking Time/ Tempo di Cottura	20-25 Minutes
Cooking Temperature / Temperatura di Cottura	350o F~175o C
Utensils/Utensili	Spatula Large Skillet Cutting Board Knife Paper Towel
Cooking Method/Metodo di Cottura	Stove

METHOD

Prepare the Swordfish:

Step 1: Wash the swordfish pieces under running water. Use paper towels to dry them.

Step 2: Then season lightly with salt and pepper.

Saute:

Step 3: Place olive oil into a large pan and warm it over medium heat.

Step 4: Add chopped onion and garlic in it. Fry them until they become golden.

Cook Swordfish:

Step 5: Add the swordfish pieces to the pan and sear them for about 2-3 minutes until they form a light crust. Then take out the fish and keep aside.

Sicilian Sauce:

Step 6: Add the olives, peeled tomatoes and capers to the skillet.

Step 7: If you are using white wine, add it and let the alcohol evaporate.

Step 8: Cook the sauce for 10 minutes on medium heat. When it thickens slightly, add salt and black pepper to taste.

Add the Fish to the Sauce:

Step 9: Add the swordfish pieces to the pan along with the sauce.

Step 10: Cover it with a lid and cook on low flame for another 10 minutes. Turn the fish while cooking so that it absorbs the flavors well.

Serve:

Step 11: When it is cooked, turn off the stove and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Step 12: If desired, squeeze lemon juice and serve.

Suggestions:

This dish goes well with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. Toasted pine nuts can be added to the sauce while cooking for flavor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does swordfish need to rest after cooking?

Yes, it needs to rest for a few minutes before serving.

How well does swordfish need to be cooked?

Cook swordfish steaks until a thermometer registers 

• 130°F (54°C) for medium.
• 135°F (57°C) for medium-well.
• 140 to 145°F (60 to 63°C) for well.

What is the best doneness for swordfish?

The best temperature for swordfish doneness is between 130ºF and 145ºF.

Is swordfish difficult to cook?

One of the best things about cooking swordfish is that it is, almost surprisingly, fuss-free.

Can you eat swordfish steak rare?

Swordfish should be cooked in such a way that it is well cooked but still juicy, not dry.