Spice-Crusted Swordfish with Capers

Rich and tender with delicately fat-marbled flesh, swordfish is perfect for pan-searing or grilling. A well-seasoned cast-iron or carbon steel pan is ideal for cooking this luscious, meaty fish.

• 2 swordfish steaks (about 3/4-inch thick) 

• Salt

• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed

• 1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as avocado, safflower, or grapeseed

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons drained capers

• ½  lemon, cut into 4 wedges

• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Using a sharp knife, remove the skin from the swordfish. Alternatively, cook the swordfish with the skin and discard before eating.

Sprinkle the swordfish generously with salt and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or refrigerate for up to 1 hour. Rinse the fish and pat very dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the fish on both sides with the coriander seeds and cracked peppercorns, pressing gently to adhere.

In a medium cast-iron skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fish to the skillet and cook without disturbing until lightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until deeply golden and crusty, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Flip the fish and cook until lightly golden but not cooked through, about 2 minutes

Tilt the skillet and spoon off any fat. Add the butter, capers, and lemon wedges and cook, spooning the melted butter over the fish until the underside is golden and an instant-read thermometer registers 120°F to 125°F in the center for medium-rare, 2 to 3 minutes depending on the thickness of the steaks. For more well-done swordfish, cook to 130°F for medium, 135°F for medium-well, and 145°F for well done fish.

Transfer the swordfish to a small platter and spoon the pan sauce on top. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve at once.

A full-bodied chardonnay will complement the richness of swordfish. For a red wine option, a light-bodied pinot noir or Beaujolais with a touch of acidity will balance the richness without overpowering the swordfish.

Serve lightly dressed, steamed green beans and crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.

Swordfish is rich in essential nutrients including selenium, vitamin D, and more omega-3 fatty acids than albacore.