Grilled Swordfish with Honey Soy Marinade Recipe
Introduction
Grilled swordfish is a flavorful and satisfying seafood dish that’s perfect for warm evenings. With a simple honey-soy marinade and fresh herbs, this recipe highlights the meaty texture and mild taste of swordfish steaks. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress at your next meal.

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, combine the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake to mix thoroughly.
- Step 2: Reserve 1 tablespoon of this marinade for later. Add the minced garlic to the remaining marinade and stir.
- Step 3: Add the swordfish steaks to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Step 5: Remove the swordfish from the marinade and scrape off any excess herbs or garlic to prevent burning on the grill.
- Step 6: Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the swordfish for 5-6 minutes on each side, until opaque and cooked through.
- Step 7: Brush the reserved marinade over the grilled fish, then serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can work in a pinch—reduce quantities by half if using dried.
- For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade.
- Be sure to oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
Storage
Store leftover grilled swordfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or enjoy cold in salads. Avoid microwaving, which can dry the fish out.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different fish for this recipe?
Yes, thick, firm-fleshed fish like tuna, mahi-mahi, or halibut can be substituted with similar results.
How do I know when swordfish is cooked?
Cook until the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can make it dry, so watch the grill closely.
PrintGrilled Swordfish with Honey Soy Marinade Recipe
This Grilled Swordfish recipe features succulent swordfish steaks marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, fresh herbs, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. It’s a quick and healthy seafood dish that’s perfect for summer grilling or an elegant weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Marinade
- 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
Fish
- 4 swordfish steaks (4–6 ounces each)
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or resealable bag, whisk together olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Reserve and Add Garlic: Set aside 1 tablespoon of the marinade for later. Add the minced garlic to the remaining marinade mixture and stir well.
- Marinate Swordfish: Add the swordfish steaks to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag.
- Refrigerate: Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare for Grilling: Remove the swordfish from the marinade and scrape off any excess herbs or garlic bits to prevent burning on the grill.
- Heat the Grill: Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the Swordfish: Place the swordfish steaks on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until the fish is opaque and cooked through.
- Brush with Reserved Marinade and Serve: Brush the reserved marinade over the grilled fish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for added zest.
Notes
- Do not marinate the swordfish for more than 8 hours as the acidity can start to break down the fish’s texture.
- Scraping off excess herbs and garlic before grilling helps prevent flare-ups and charring.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried parsley and thyme can be used but reduce the quantity by half.
- This recipe works well with an indoor grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: grilled swordfish, seafood recipe, fish steaks, summer grilling, healthy dinner, quick seafood

