Grilled Swordfish with Warm Tomato & Capers

Big, meaty fish with a topping that tastes like summer: warm tomatoes, capers, olive oil, and toast. The goal is contrast—char + acidity + crunch—without drowning the fish.
Grill Mediterranean Company dinner 35 min Serves 2–3
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Grilled swordfish steak with warm tomato and capers topping.
Treat it like a steak: hot grill, clean flip, quick rest.

Process shots

Swordfish prep
Prep: oil + seasoning.
Swordfish prep close-up
Ready for the grill.
Swordfish on the grill
Grill: hot, fast, controlled.

The story

Swordfish is the easiest “I know what I’m doing” fish. It doesn’t fall apart, it takes grill marks like a champ, and it has enough heft that you can build a whole dinner around it without fussing.

Food nerd note: Swordfish is lean. The trick is to cook it just to done, then add fat and acid on top. Overcook it and it turns from steak-like to dry and cottony fast.

The topping (bruschetta energy)

This is basically warm bruschetta without the precision: tomatoes, capers, garlic, olive oil. Heat just enough to bloom the flavors and slightly soften the tomatoes—no simmering into sauce.

What I served it with

Make-ahead move: Make the slaw and pilaf first. The fish is last and fast.

Recipe

Instructions

  1. Heat the grill. Medium-high. Clean grates and oil them lightly.
  2. Season the fish. Olive oil + salt + pepper (and oregano if you want).
  3. Grill. 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You want firm and opaque, not dried out.
  4. Make topping. In a small pan, warm olive oil, add garlic for 15–30 seconds, then tomatoes + capers. Heat until just warmed through. Finish with acid + herbs.
  5. Serve. Rest fish 2 minutes, then spoon warm topping over each steak.
Doneness tip: If the center still has a slight translucence, you’re in the sweet spot. Carryover heat finishes it.

FAQ

Can I cook swordfish in a pan instead of a grill?
Yes. Use a hot cast iron or stainless pan with oil. Sear 3–4 minutes per side, then rest. The topping covers the “no grill marks” problem.
What tomatoes work best?
Cherry/grape tomatoes are the most reliable. If using large tomatoes, salt them lightly and let them sit a few minutes, then drain excess liquid.
How do I keep it from sticking?
Clean, hot, oiled grates. Also: don’t flip early. When the fish releases, it’s ready.