Meta Description: This grilled swordfish with mango salsa recipe is a perfect, easy, and healthy meal. Learn how to grill swordfish to perfection and top it with a vibrant, fresh salsa.
Some of my fondest food memories are tied to summer and the grill. As a kid, my dad was the undisputed grill master. He’d grill everything from burgers to steaks, and the smell of charcoal and sizzling meat was the unofficial start to every weekend. But one summer, he decided to try something new. We had a beautiful, thick piece of swordfish, and he decided to grill it. I was a little skeptical—I was used to burgers and hot dogs. But when it came off the grill, with those perfect grill marks and a firm, flaky interior, I was captivated. It was delicious on its own, but we had some ripe mangoes and a few other fresh ingredients, and my mom whipped up a quick salsa.
That grilled swordfish with mango salsa was a revelation. The smoky, firm fish was the perfect canvas for the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy salsa. It was a combination that felt like a vacation on a plate—a perfect balance of flavors and textures that was both elegant and incredibly simple. It became our go-to for special summer occasions, and it’s a dish I still make today when I want to feel like I’m on a tropical island. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or a lot of fuss to create something truly special.
This recipe is designed to bring that simple, elegant feeling to your home. It’s a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The key is in the preparation of the fish and the fresh, vibrant salsa. We’ll show you how to grill swordfish to perfection and how to make a delicious salsa that is a perfect complement to the fish. So, let’s get cooking and create a meal that will transport you to a sunny beach.
🐟 The Art of Grilling Swordfish
The swordfish is the star of this grilled swordfish recipe. It’s a firm, meaty fish that holds up beautifully on the grill. The key is to get a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender.
For this recipe, we’ll be using thick swordfish steaks. A one-inch thick steak is perfect. It will give you a beautiful crust on the outside without overcooking the inside. Before you put the fish on the grill, you need to pat it completely dry.1 Excess moisture is the enemy of a good sear. A little bit of olive oil on the fish will prevent it from sticking to the grill grates and will help it get that beautiful, golden-brown color.2
The grilling process is simple. We’ll be using high heat to get a beautiful sear. Place the fish on a preheated, clean grill and let it cook for a few minutes per side.3 Don’t touch it! Let it get a nice char and then flip it. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fish, but a general rule is about 5-7 minutes per side.4 The fish is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.5 You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 145°F.6
🥭 Making the Perfect Mango Salsa
The salsa is the perfect complement to the grilled swordfish.7 It’s fresh, vibrant, and a beautiful contrast to the smoky, savory fish. The key to a great mango salsa is a perfect balance of flavors: sweet, tangy, and a little bit of a kick.
The base of our mango salsa is a perfectly ripe mango. A ripe mango should have a little bit of a give when you gently squeeze it. It should also have a sweet, fruity aroma. We’ll be dicing the mango into small, uniform pieces. We’ll also be using a red bell pepper for a sweet crunch, a red onion for a sharp, savory kick, and a jalapeño for a little bit of heat.
The dressing for the salsa is simple: fresh lime juice, a little bit of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The lime juice is a crucial part of the salsa.8 It brightens all the flavors and adds a tangy kick that is a perfect complement to the sweetness of the mango. A little bit of fresh cilantro is also a must. It has a fresh, herby flavor that is a perfect match for the other ingredients.
✅ Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is simple and flexible. Feel free to use your favorite fish and adjust the spices to your liking.
- For the Swordfish:
- 4 swordfish steaks, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper9
- For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced10
- 1 red bell pepper, diced11
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced12
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)13
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional Additions & Toppings:
- A few avocado slices for a creamy texture14
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat15
- A few lime wedges for serving16
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is incredibly easy and straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, elegant meal in no time.
- Prep the Mango Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and minced jalapeño (if using). In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and salt. Pour the dressing over the mango mixture and gently toss to combine. Stir in the fresh cilantro. Let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prep the Swordfish: Pat the swordfish steaks completely dry with paper towels.17 Rub the steaks with a little bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.18
- Grill the Swordfish: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.19 Place the swordfish steaks on the hot grill grates.20 Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Place a swordfish steak on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the mango salsa over the top. Garnish with a few avocado slices and a lime wedge. Serve immediately.
🤔 Common Questions & Troubleshooting
This is a pretty straightforward recipe, but a few questions might come up. Here are some answers and tips to ensure your meal is perfect every time.
Q: My swordfish is sticking to the grill. What went wrong?
A: This is usually because the grill grates were not clean or not hot enough. Make sure you preheat your grill to a high temperature and clean the grates before you put the fish on. A little bit of oil on the fish will also help prevent it from sticking.
Q: Can I use different fish?
A: Yes! This recipe would also work beautifully with other firm, meaty fish, like tuna, salmon, or halibut.21 The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish, so keep an eye on it.22
Q: Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The salsa is even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. It will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Q: Can I use a different fruit in the salsa?
A: Absolutely. A chopped pineapple, a few slices of peach, or even some diced kiwi would all work beautifully in the salsa. The key is to use a fruit that is ripe and has a good balance of sweet and tangy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Variations
This grilled swordfish with mango salsa is a complete meal, but a few additions can take it to the next level.
- Pairings: A simple side of a light green salad with a lime vinaigrette would be a perfect companion. A side of fluffy jasmine rice or a few roasted sweet potatoes would also be delicious.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, light-bodied white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio would be a fantastic match. The bright acidity in the wine will complement the freshness of the salsa and the richness of the fish.
- Make It a Bowl: You can also serve this as a deconstructed fish bowl. Simply layer the rice, grilled swordfish, mango salsa, and your favorite toppings in a bowl. It’s the same great flavor, just deconstructed.
- Sauce Variations:
- Spicy: Add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salsa for a fiery kick.23
- Smoky: A little bit of smoked paprika in the rub for the fish would add a nice smoky flavor.
- Creamy: A dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of sour cream on top of the fish would add a lovely creamy contrast.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | |
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary.
✨ A Taste of Summer on Your Plate
Grilled swordfish with mango salsa is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring a little bit of sunshine and tropical magic to your home. It’s a dish that’s healthy, satisfying, and perfectly delicious. The combination of the smoky fish and the sweet, tangy salsa is a flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds.
I hope this recipe helps you find a new favorite and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s a great way to use up fresh ingredients and create a meal that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients and toppings. Happy cooking!