Swordfish is a mild-tasting fish with white flesh and a meaty texture. It’s typically sold as thick steaks that are excellent for cooking in ways you can’t cook more tender types of fish, such as grilling or making kebobs.
In the wild, this fish is one of the ocean’s fastest predators. They’re very recognizable thanks to their long, flat, and pointy bill that looks a bit like a sword. Swordfish grow quickly and can reach a maximum size of around 1,165lbs. However, the ones caught by commercial fishermen tend to fall in the 50 to 200lb range.
What should I look for when buying swordfish?
Swordfish steaks have a light flavor, making them great for anyone who isn’t sure about eating fish. The red parts of the fish have a stronger flavor, but they can easily be cut out. If a light flavor is important to you, you can look for steaks that have smaller red lines.
When looking for the freshest pieces of swordfish, you’ll want to choose steaks that are bright white or pink and that have a bright red bloodline. Try to avoid any steaks that are gray in color or that have brown bloodlines, as this could be an indication of lower quality. Fresh swordfish will also have a swirly pattern in the meat and will feel firm to the touch.
When buying frozen swordfish steaks, you may want to look for “clipper” swordfish. This is frozen out at sea right after it’s caught, so it’s super fresh tasting. It’s also usually much less expensive than swordfish that is “fresh never frozen.”
If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for swordfish via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for swordfish.
Where are swordfish found?
All swordfish for sale is wild-caught, as this is not a farmed fish. In the wild, these fish are found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They typically spend their time in tropical and temperate waters but are also sometimes also found in cold waters. In the United States, swordfish is often found in the waters surrounding U.S. Pacific Islands, off the U.S. West Coast, and along the Florida coast. Each year, swordfish migrate thousands of miles in the eastern Atlantic along Africa and Europe and along the eastern seaboard of the United States and Canada.
How to Cook Swordfish | Chef Evan Deluty | Tips & Techniques
How long does Swordfish last in the fridge?
If thawed in the refrigerator under 41°F, fish can last 2 days. If another thawing method is used, the fish should be cooked the day it is thawed. What Should Swordfish Smell Like? Fresh swordfish should have a slightly salty smell like a cool ocean breeze. No seafood should smell foul or have any hint of ammonia smell.
How do you store cooked Swordfish?
Cooked swordfish should be chilled to under 70°F within four hours of cooking, then stored in an airtight container. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends storing swordfish in your refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below.
What is the best temperature to store Swordfish?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends storing swordfish in your refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below. Home refrigerator temperatures should be checked when storing fish or other temperature sensitive ingredients to protect the quality of those ingredients.
How long can you eat frozen Swordfish?
Frozen fish will be safe to eat for up to 9 months after freezing, however the fresh quality of the fish will continue to decline the longer it is frozen. For easy reference, check out this chart to see how long swordfish can last in each household setting: The best way to cook swordfish is on the grill.