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 excited about the idea of using blue cheese pesto. While many people believe that fish and cheese don’t pair well together, I am part of the group that thinks otherwise.

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.

I made a few adjustments to the basic pesto recipe by replacing the traditional pine nuts with pumpkin seeds, which I find to be a great substitute. I also added a squeeze of lemon juice, as it complements seafood nicely and enhances the flavor of the pesto.

This dish is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 15 minutes to make. The blue cheese pesto is made entirely in a food processor, and the swordfish cooks in about 7 minutes. I guarantee that the flavors of the swordfish and pesto are just as delightful as they appear. If you believe that cheese and seafood don’t belong together, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. I would love to hear your thoughts!

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 scrapes 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 and pulse until coarsely chopped. Drizzle in olive oil and process until the 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 the 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 the swordfish, seasoned side down, on the 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 rice, baked potato, or mashed potato.

Note:

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

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

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