Grilled swordfish is a game changer at dinner. Seriously.
We're talking juicy, flavorful, and downright delicious. But here's the thing.
You can't just slap a piece of swordfish on a plate and call it a day. No way. You need side dishes that complement its unique taste.
Not just any sides, though. We're on a mission to find the perfect partners for this seafood star.
Sides that don't overpower, but enhance. Sides that make your tastebuds sing.
Get ready, because we've nailed down seven epic accompaniments that do just that. Stick with us, and your swordfish dinners are about to reach legendary status.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Grilled Swordfish?
A plain piece of fish on the table just won't do.
Imagine getting something like that in a restaurant - it could be a bit disgusting eating fish alone.
The same rule applies to your family or guests.
In fact, the necessity of a proper side dish is even more obvious when you want to impress someone.
Compared to other types of fish, swordfish doesn't require too much sophistication.
Too many flavors will ruin it. You don't want to overpower its gentle flavor, but complement it.
Therefore, potential matches are quite straightforward.
What to Serve with Grilled Swordfish? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Here are a few great options to complement your swordfish.
1. Tender Veggie Kebabs
Veggie kebabs are excellent if you choose to grill swordfish.
This is your primary choice anyway, yet this combo is great regardless of the cooking method.
A bit of company goes in the right direction - vegetables.
Now, it's just as important to choose the right veggies.
Stick to peppers, onions, and potatoes.
Pineapple is also a good idea, despite being sweet.
When mixed with vegetables, it just goes along well.
Grill everything for a mix of flavors and a smoky profile, and your audience will love it.
2. Saucy Salsa Verde
This is the type of side dish that will keep your swordfish light, but it will also complement its mild aromas.
It's not a sophisticated side dish, but it's good enough to keep your meal light - nothing too heavy on your stomach.
Another good thing is you can prepare this side dish within minutes only.
Now, you have the slightly spicy flavors and bright colors of cilantro, tomatoes, hot peppers, and garlic, yet you can also customize the recipe.
There's one thing to keep in mind - you don't want super strong flavors, as they could make the swordfish fade.
3. Sweet Mango Salsa
Salsa is ideal with fish, but this recipe takes it a bit further.
Since swordfish has a gentle sweet aroma, the mango in this salsa will match it perfectly.
Then, you have a cocktail of tastes - a bit spicy and tangy, but also sweet and with a citrus aroma.
No one can resist it.
Preparing the salsa is a matter of a few minutes with the food processor.
Throw the ingredients inside and go for it.
As for serving, you can get a big bowl in the middle, so everyone can help themselves.
You can also put a few tablespoons on each plate, by the actual fish.
4. Wild Mushroom Pilaf
You cannot really go wrong with pilaf and fish - a certain type of rice.
It's fulfilling and has a hearty aroma that works well with any type of fish.
But then, since swordfish is mild, you need to enhance the pilaf with something else - this is when mushrooms kick in.
The meaty feel of the mushrooms - as well as the umami flavor - will easily complement the swordfish.
Mushrooms must be chopped into tiny pieces to ensure you can still feel the swordfish.
The side dish is great because it cooks in no time.
5. Sauteed Beet Greens
Sauteed beet greens complement swordfish in a bunch of different ways.
A mix of fish and veggies will never disappoint, especially when sauteed.
Beet greens are savory, but they also have a slightly bitter aroma that works surprisingly well with the sweet swordfish.
The mix looks good, too - add a bit of color to your dishes.
The combo - both the greens and fish - is light and suitable for lunch or dinner.
You can put a big bowl in the middle for everyone to grab some, or you can add the side directly on the plate, close to the fish.
6. Crispy Quinoa Salad
Choosing the right side depends on what you hope to achieve.
If you're after a hearty companion, quinoa will not let you down.
Plain quinoa? Not really, you can enhance it with veggies and turn it into an actual salad.
Red cabbage, greens, bell peppers, beans, corn, you name it - chop it in tiny pieces and throw it in the mix.
You'll love the mix of mild swordfish and crunchy flavors mixed into a soft hearty dish.
Feel free to enhance the salad with a bit of garlic - not too much, or you won't feel the fish anymore.
7. Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Fish and pasta has always been a good combo. The fish is mild, while the pasta is fulfilling.
The same rule applies to swordfish. However, you can turn this general dish into a sophisticated one if you want to impress someone.
Ditch the pasta and use zucchini instead. Enhance it with some pesto - a bit of garlic - and chopped cherry tomatoes.
The side dish is not too heavy and looks fancy, while the mix of aromas is mild, only to allow the swordfish to stand out.
