Grilled Lemon Basil Swordfish with Garlic Herb Couscous and Charred Zucchini - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Grilled Lemon Basil Swordfish with Garlic Herb Couscous and Charred Zucchini

Fire up the grill and get ready to wow your taste buds! This Grilled Lemon Basil Swordfish is the star of a plate packed with flavor, alongside fluffy garlic herb couscous and smoky charred zucchini. Fresh, vibrant, and oh-so-satisfying—your next favorite meal is calling!

5.0 out of 5 (2 ratings)

Let’s talk about a dish that’s so vibrant, so packed with flavor, it feels like a mini vacation for your taste buds. Enter: Grilled Lemon Basil Swordfish with Garlic Herb Couscous and Charred Zucchini. Close your eyes and you can almost imagine yourself at a breezy Mediterranean seaside café, savoring every bite under the sun. This recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, you’ll want to put it on repeat for every summer grilling session—or maybe just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve it!

Grilled Lemon Basil Swordfish With Garlic Herb Couscous And Charred Zucchini Recipe

What makes this dish a standout is the perfect harmony of bold yet clean flavors. The swordfish takes center stage, marinated in a lively combination of lemon and fresh basil that brightens and complements the rich, meaty texture of the fish. Then there’s the garlic herb couscous—a pillowy, fragrant sidekick loaded with parsley, garlic, and a touch of olive oil that ties everything together like a cozy flavor hug. To top it off, the charred zucchini is smoky, tender, and lightly caramelized, adding a delightful complexity. The whole plate is like a culinary love letter to summer, with ingredients that shine on their own but really sing as a trio.

Now, before you hurry to get started, let me drop a few pro tips to make this recipe foolproof. First, don’t skimp on marinating the swordfish—30 minutes is great, but if you’ve got time, an hour really lets those flavors soak in. For the zucchini, crank up that grill to get a good char without turning them into mush. And with couscous, fluff is the name of the game. Use a fork to gently separate those golden grains and avoid overcooking. Bonus tip: If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta to take your couscous to another level.

This is your sign to grab your apron and give this Mediterranean-inspired feast a whirl! Serve it with a crisp glass of white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lime, and you’ll feel like you’re dining al fresco, even if you’re just in your backyard. Prefer a different fish? Halibut or tuna would work beautifully here, too. Or mix it up by swapping zucchini for eggplant or bell peppers. However you spin it, you’re in for one memorable meal. Go ahead, fire up that grill—your new favorite dinner is waiting!

Keywords: grilled swordfish recipe easy, lemon basil fish marinade, couscous recipe with herbs, summer zucchini side dish, Mediterranean dinner ideas, how to grill fish perfectly, healthy dinner ideas with fish.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 4 swordfish steaks (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper.

  3. 3

    Brush the swordfish steaks with the lemon-basil mixture and let them marinate for 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    While the swordfish marinates, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.

  5. 5

    Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and mix in the butter and parsley.

  6. 6

    Toss the zucchini slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, and a pinch of salt.

  7. 7

    Grill the swordfish steaks for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly charred.

  8. 8

    Place the zucchini slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and tender.

  9. 9

    Serve the grilled swordfish with the garlic herb couscous and charred zucchini slices on the side.

Nutrition Information

Calories

450 calories

Protein

40g

Carbs

32g

Fat

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute swordfish with another type of fish?

A: Yes, you can substitute swordfish with other firm, meaty fish like halibut, mahi-mahi, or tuna. Make sure to adjust grilling times as needed, as thinner fillets may cook faster.

Q: What can I use instead of fresh basil?

A: If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil or substitute with fresh parsley, cilantro, or even fresh mint for a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a grill?

A: Absolutely! You can cook the swordfish and zucchini using a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet on your stovetop. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook as directed. For an oven option, you can broil the fish and zucchini on a baking sheet, flipping halfway through.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the swordfish and zucchini gently in a skillet or oven to avoid drying them out. The couscous can be reheated in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

Q: What should I do if my swordfish sticks to the grill?

A: Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before adding the swordfish. Also, avoid flipping too early—let the fish naturally release from the grill once it forms a good sear. If it still sticks, use a metal spatula to gently slide underneath the fish.

Q: Can I prepare some components of this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the lemon-basil marinade, couscous, and zucchini slices ahead of time. Marinate the swordfish just before cooking to avoid over-marinating. Store the couscous and zucchini in the refrigerator, and grill the swordfish fresh for the best flavor.

Q: Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?

A: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for some heat. To make the dish more Mediterranean, consider adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the couscous. You can also serve this meal with a dollop of tzatziki or a simple yogurt sauce on the side.

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