Swordfish with Blue Pesto

Swordfish with blue pesto? Yes, please! Pan-seared swordfish steak is served with blue cheese pesto. It’s a quick and easy meal that is healthy, delicious, and mouthful of flavor.

I wanted to share a fish recipe with you this week, but I was also obsessed with the idea of using blue cheese pesto. Now, there are many people who believe that fish and cheese don’t go together, but there are those who think otherwise. I belong in the “otherwise” group.

My challenge was how to marry the two. With the bold flavor of blue cheese, I had to use a fish that was meaty and firm enough so that its flavor would not be overwhelmed by it. Swordfish was a perfect choice.

In terms of the pesto, I also deviated from using the traditional pine nuts and substituted them with pumpkin seeds. In my opinion, the two are perfectly interchangeable. I also added a squeeze of lemon juice. It is a perfect addition because lemon pairs well with seafood and perks up the flavor of the pesto.

This dish is super quick and easy to make. It could be done in less than 15 minutes. The blue cheese pesto is made entirely in a food processor and the swordfish takes just a bot 7 minutes to cook. I assure you, the swordfish and pesto taste as good as they look. So if you are one who thinks cheese and seafood do not go together, try this one out. I’d love to know what you think!

Recommended Supplies:

These are products I use, or on my wishlist, or are highly rated. (Amazon affiliate links)

• Skillet—this 12-inch skillet is nonstick and 100% APEO & PFOA-Free.
• These silicone spatula turners are for turning the swordfish. They are heat resistant and BPA free.
• Food processor for making the pesto.
• Silicone spatula for scraping the pesto out of the food processor bowl.

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SWORDFISH WITH BLUE PESTO

Author: Thao | In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Stovetop Cooked Cuisine:American Courses:Main Dish Recipe Keys: Quick Meals P Pescatarian

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 7 minutesCook time: 7 minutesTotal time: 14 minutesServings:4 Servings

Description

Swordfish with blue pesto? Yes, please! Pan-seared swordfish steak is served with blue cheese pesto. It’s a quick and easy meal that is healthy, delicious, and mouthful of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Blue Cheese Pesto:

• 3 cups basil leaves, loosely packed
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup shelled, roasted & salted pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

For the Swordfish:

• 4 pieces (approx. 10 oz. each) swordfish steaks
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tbsp. butter

Instructions

Make the pesto: 

1. Place the first five ingredients into a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Drizzle in olive oil and process until mixture is pureed. Drizzle lemon juice through the feed tube and continue to process for another 10 seconds. 
2. Remove the bowl from the base and take out the blade. Add blue cheese to the bowl, breaking up any large chunks. Gently stir to incorporate.

To cook the fish: 

3. Preheat a large non-stick skillet on medium high. Pat swordfish dry with paper towels. Season one side with half of the kosher salt and pepper. 
4. Add olive oil to the skillet. Place swordfish, seasoned side down, on skillet. Season the top side with the remaining kosher salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the bottom of the swordfish is crusted and browned. 
5. Turn the swordfish over and cook the second side for 2 to 3 minutes. Do not overcook as it will dry out. 
6. About 30 seconds before the fish is done (fish is done when the interior is opaque throughout) and ready to be removed from the skillet, add butter and swirl it around. Turn the fish over and cook the other side in butter for 10 seconds. 
7. Remove swordfish. Spread pesto over fish and serve with a side of rice, baked potato, or mashed potato.

Note:

• The cook time is for the swordfish steaks about 1 1/4″ thick. If using thinner or thicker cuts, adjust cooking time a minute or so per side. 

Keywords:Salmon Steak, Blue Cheese Pesto, Quick and Easy Meal, Salmon and Pesto

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