A Mediterranean classic, this Sicilian-style baked swordfish (Pesce Spada alla Siciliana) bursts with the fresh and zesty flavors of the sea. Combining juicy tomatoes, briny capers, olives, and fragrant herbs, this dish transports you to Sicily with every bite.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients (Serves Four People)
- 4 swordfish steaks (approx. 150-200g each)
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 100g green or black olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 150ml dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional for texture)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Season the Swordfish
Season both sides of the swordfish steaks with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice. Set aside to marinate briefly while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Combine the diced tomatoes, sliced onion, minced garlic, capers, olives, and oregano in a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using), and toss to combine.
Step 4: Add the Wine
Pour the white wine over the tomato mixture in the baking dish. This adds moisture and creates a rich sauce for the fish as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Swordfish
Place the seasoned swordfish steaks in the baking dish on the tomato and olive mixture. Sprinkle the optional breadcrumbs on top of the fish for added texture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the swordfish is opaque and cooked through but still moist. Check for doneness by ensuring the fish flakes quickly with a fork.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the swordfish with the fragrant tomato, olive, and caper mixture spooned over the top.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinade Tip: Swordfish is a dense fish and takes on flavor well, but avoid marinating it for too long in acidic liquids (like lemon) as it can break down the texture.
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil and parsley for an even more Mediterranean flavor.
- Cooking Tip: Avoid overcooking swordfish, as it can become tough. Cook until just opaque, with the flesh still moist.
- Crusty Bread: Use the delicious sauce as a dip for crusty bread to soak up the vibrant flavors of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
For a full Mediterranean feast, serve this Sicilian swordfish with roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, or a simple green salad. A fresh loaf of bread will help mop up the tasty tomato sauce.
Wine Pairing
Pair this dish with a crisp Sicilian white wine, such as Grillo or a light Pinot Grigio, to complement the dish’s bright tomato and lemon flavors. A medium-bodied Sicilian Nero d’Avola is a good match if you prefer red wine. An excellent Bulgarian wine choice will be Chardonnay or Tamianka. These wines bring bright acidity and fruity undertones, perfectly balancing the dish’s tangy tomatoes, salty olives, and briny capers.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t require any gluten-containing ingredients. However, ensure that condiments or seasoning blends, like olives or capers, are cross-contamination-free.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is dairy-free, making it ideal for individuals who avoid dairy products. Simply ensure the ingredients, such as olive oil and other seasonings, do not contain hidden dairy additives.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Swordfish is a great low-carb option, and the tomatoes, capers, and olives in the Sicilian-style preparation are keto-friendly. To keep it keto, avoid serving it with starchy sides and, instead, opt for sautéed leafy greens or roasted low-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.
- Paleo: This recipe is Paleo-friendly because it focuses on fresh, whole ingredients like swordfish, tomatoes, capers, and olives. To stay within Paleo guidelines, ensure you use extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs.
- Whole30: The recipe aligns well with Whole30 principles as the ingredients are fresh and unprocessed. Be sure to use olives and capers free from additives, and avoid any condiments containing sugar or non-compliant preservatives.
- Low-Sodium: To reduce sodium content, use low-sodium or salt-free alternatives for ingredients like olives and capers. You can also minimize the added salt or skip it altogether, relying on fresh herbs and lemon juice to enhance flavor.
These modifications help make the Sicilian Swordfish recipe adaptable to various dietary needs while maintaining its vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
About Sicilian Baked Swordfish (Pesce Spada alla Siciliana)
Swordfish is a popular catch in the waters surrounding Sicily, making it a staple of local cuisine. Sicilian-style swordfish recipes like this feature bright, simple ingredients abundant in the Mediterranean region—tomatoes, olives, capers, and aromatic herbs. These ingredients perfectly complement the firm, meaty texture of the fish, bringing out the best in its natural flavors.
Cultural Context
Swordfish (Pesce Spada) has deep culinary roots in Sicily and southern Italy, where it is often prepared in simple, flavorful ways to highlight the fish’s natural taste. The combination of olives, capers, and tomatoes is typical of many Sicilian dishes, celebrating the region’s access to the Mediterranean Sea and its agricultural bounty. This dish is often prepared for family meals or special occasions, reflecting the Sicilian philosophy of using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create robust, satisfying meals.
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