Swordfish with Blue Pesto

Swordfish with Blue Pesto combines pan-seared swordfish steak with a bold blue cheese pesto for a delicious pairing of sweet, mild, meaty fish and sharp, fresh pesto. It is a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 15 minutes, making it absolutely perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

I hesitated to share a recipe pairing fish with cheese, as many people believe the two should not be combined. But the combination of crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside swordfish and savory blue cheese pesto is so good, I couldn’t help myself!

This fish recipe can be prepared quickly and easily in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a hectic schedule.

This blue pesto is my personal twist on the classic recipe. I swapped the traditional Parmesan for bold blue cheese, and traded the pine nuts for pumpkin seeds—which make a fantastic, earthy substitute. I also added a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the overall flavor and perfectly complement the fish.

The entire blue cheese pesto comes together quickly in a food processor, and the swordfish cooks in just 7 minutes. I guarantee that this pairing tastes every bit as delightful as it looks. If you are someone who believes that cheese and seafood should never mix, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a shot. I would love to hear what you think!

Recommended Supplies:

These are products I use, have on my wishlist, or that 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: In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Stovetop Cooked Cuisine:American Courses:Main Dish

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

Description

Swordfish with Blue Pesto combines pan-seared swordfish steak with a bold blue cheese pesto for a delicious pairing of sweet, mild, meaty fish and sharp, fresh pesto. It is a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 15 minutes, making it absolutely perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

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 processing 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 combine.

To cook the fish: 

3. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the 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, in 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 (the 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 the swordfish. Spread pesto over the fish and serve with rice, baked potatoes, or mashed potatoes.

Note:

• Note: The cooking time is for swordfish steaks 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:15 Minute Swordfish Recipe, swordfish steak recipe, blue cheese pesto, pan seared swordfish recipe, easy fish dinner, 15 minute fish dinner

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