Grilled Swordfish with Honey Soy Marinade Recipe
Introduction
Grilled swordfish is a flavorful and hearty seafood dish perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner. Marinated in a zesty blend of honey, soy sauce, and fresh herbs, this fish grills up tender with a deliciously savory crust.

Ingredients
- 4 swordfish steaks (4-6 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl or resealable bag, whisk together olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Reserve 1 tablespoon of the marinade for basting later. Add the minced garlic to the remaining marinade and stir to incorporate.
- Step 3: Add the swordfish steaks to the marinade. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 4: Remove the swordfish from the marinade, scraping off any excess herbs or garlic to prevent burning on the grill.
- Step 5: Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the swordfish steaks for 5-6 minutes per side, until the fish is opaque and cooked through.
- Step 6: Brush the reserved marinade over the cooked fish just before serving. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky twist, add a splash of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, substitute with dried thyme but use half the amount.
- Make sure to oil your grill grates lightly to prevent the swordfish from sticking.
Storage
Store any leftover grilled swordfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or enjoy chilled in salads. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture firm.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen swordfish for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before marinating and grilling for the best results.
How do I know when swordfish is fully cooked?
The fish should be opaque throughout and easily flake with a fork. Overcooking can make it dry, so keep an eye on the grilling time.
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Grilled Swordfish with Honey Soy Marinade Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Swordfish recipe features tender, flavorful swordfish steaks marinated in a savory blend of olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, fresh herbs, and garlic. Perfectly grilled to a juicy finish and served with fresh lemon wedges, it provides a delicious, healthy seafood option ideal for outdoor grilling or indoor grill pans.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
Main Ingredient
- 4 swordfish steaks (4–6 ounces each)
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or resealable bag, whisk together olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Reserve Marinade and Add Garlic: Set aside 1 tablespoon of the marinade for basting later. Stir the minced garlic into the remaining marinade.
- Marinate the Swordfish: Place the swordfish steaks into the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
- Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- Prepare for Grilling: Remove the swordfish from the marinade, scraping off any excess herbs or garlic to prevent burning on the grill.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium-high heat, preparing for direct grilling.
- Grill the Swordfish: Cook each swordfish steak for 5-6 minutes per side, grilling until the fish is opaque and cooked through but still tender and moist.
- Baste and Serve: Brush the reserved marinade over the cooked swordfish steaks for added flavor. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.
Notes
- Marinating the swordfish helps infuse flavor and tenderize the meat; marinate for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 8 hours to avoid altering texture.
- Scraping off excess herbs and garlic before grilling prevents them from burning and imparting a bitter flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried parsley and thyme can be used but reduce quantity to about 1 teaspoon each.
- Use an indoor grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, ensuring it is preheated for proper grilling marks.
- Do not overcook the swordfish to avoid the meat becoming dry; it should be opaque but still moist and flaky.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: grilled swordfish, swordfish steaks, seafood grill recipe, healthy seafood, quick grilled fish

