Cheese And Swordfish: A Perfect Pairing Guide

Swordfish is a versatile and flavourful fish that can be cooked in many different ways. While some people may turn their noses up at the combination of fish and cheese, there are several ways to make this pairing work. For instance, a swordfish steak can be stuffed with spinach and feta cheese, or with pepper jack cheese. Alternatively, a swordfish steak can be topped with a mixture of mayonnaise and parmesan cheese and baked in the oven. Swordfish also pairs well with several side dishes that include cheese, such as chilli cheese fries, potato rosti, potato casserole, white sauce pasta, and caprese tortellini pasta salad.

Swordfish with Parmesan cheese

Swordfish is a versatile and flavourful fish that can be cooked in many different ways. It is a firm and meaty fish that pairs beautifully with many easy-to-make side dishes.

One way to prepare swordfish is to bake it with Parmesan cheese. This can be done by placing the fish in a greased baking dish, drizzling it with butter, and then spreading a mixture of mayonnaise and shredded Parmesan cheese on top. The dish is then baked in the oven until the fish is cooked through. This method results in a bubbly broiled Parmesan cheese coating that complements the mildness of the fish.

Sides to go with Swordfish and Parmesan Cheese

When serving swordfish with Parmesan cheese, there are several side dishes that can enhance the flavour and make it a well-rounded meal. Here are some options:

• Coconut Lime Cilantro Rice: This rice dish adds a tropical flair to the meal and is a great accompaniment to swordfish. It can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient choice.
• Lemon Risotto with Asparagus and Peas: The tangy lemon juice and sweet peas complement the swordfish, while the asparagus adds a nice touch of greenery.
• Arugula Salad with Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella: The sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella pair well with swordfish, and the drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar and olive oil enhances the flavours.
• Couscous Salad with Grilled Vegetables, Lemon, and Goat Cheese: This dish offers a balance of whole grains and fresh vegetables, making it a healthy and tasty option to serve with swordfish.
• Chilli Cheese Fries: Crispy fries topped with canned chilli and grated cheese are a tempting and indulgent side dish that goes well with swordfish.
• Pan-roasted Vegetables: A simple and elegant dish, pan-roasted vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots, and beets cooked with herbs and maple syrup make a delicious and healthy side.

Other Cheese Options for Swordfish

While Parmesan cheese is a great choice for swordfish, there are also other types of cheese that can be used. These include:

• Feta Cheese: Mediterranean-style swordfish can be created by stuffing the fish with spinach and feta cheese. This combination adds a tangy and salty flavour to the dish.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: For those who enjoy a little spice, stuffing swordfish with Pepper Jack cheese is a delicious option. The mildness of the fish pairs well with the slight spiciness of the cheese.

Swordfish with feta cheese

Swordfish is a versatile and flavourful fish that can be cooked in many different ways. It can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared, and there are several types of cheese that can be used to complement the dish. One such cheese is feta, which can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the flavour of swordfish.

Mediterranean-Style Swordfish with Feta Cheese

One popular way to prepare swordfish with feta cheese is in a Mediterranean-style dish. This dish typically includes swordfish steaks that are stuffed with spinach and feta cheese. To prepare this dish, a pocket is cut into the swordfish steak and stuffed with a mixture of spinach, garlic, and feta cheese. The swordfish is then grilled or broiled until cooked through. This dish is often served with couscous, and the flavours of the feta cheese and spinach complement the swordfish perfectly.

Another variation of this Mediterranean-style dish includes swordfish with tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. In this dish, the swordfish is cut into pieces and brushed with olive oil before being broiled. The swordfish is then arranged on top of stewed tomatoes and sprinkled with chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, and ripe olives. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, and the combination of flavours creates a delicious Mediterranean-style meal.

Other Cheese Options for Swordfish

While feta cheese is a popular choice for swordfish, there are also several other types of cheese that can be used. Parmesan cheese, for example, can be melted and drizzled over swordfish to create a tasty coating. Blue cheese is another option and can be stuffed into swordfish steaks for a unique flavour profile. Additionally, shredded cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, can be combined with mayonnaise and spread over swordfish before baking.

Side Dishes to Complement Swordfish with Feta Cheese

When serving swordfish with feta cheese, there are several side dishes that can enhance the overall flavour and presentation of the meal. Here are some options to consider:

• Corn on the cob: A simple and classic side dish that can be customised with various seasonings to add spice, lemon, or saltiness to the meal.
• Butternut squash: This sweet and easy-to-prepare side dish blends well with the salty main dish of swordfish and feta cheese.
• Tater tots: Crispy potato balls spiced with paprika, salt, and pepper can add a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Green beans: A common side dish for swordfish in restaurants, green beans provide a tasty crunch and can be prepared with garlic to add extra flavour.
• Potato rosti: A simple dish made with potatoes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chives, potato rosti is a mild and crispy option that pairs well with swordfish.
• Grilled asparagus: A hassle-free and budget-friendly side dish that adds a perfect green crunch to the meal.

Swordfish with pepper jack cheese

Ingredients:

• 4 swordfish steaks, each 1 inch thick (2 pounds total)
• 8 ounces pepper jack cheese or ancho chile caciotta, shredded (2 cups)
• 4 sprigs of fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Seasoning Salt, or salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 sprigs of fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 5 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/2 cup tightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup tightly packed fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1-2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Herb Sauce Preparation:

Drop the garlic through the feed tube of a food processor with the motor running. Add the cilantro and parsley and pulse to finely chop the herbs. Add the lemon juice, cumin, cayenne, and salt. Continue to process. Drizzle the oil through the feed tube, with the motor running. Process until puréed. Taste and adjust seasonings. Set aside. Refrigerate if the sauce will not be served within an hour.

Swordfish Preparation:

Preheat a gas grill to high or build a charcoal or wood fire and allow it to burn until the coals are covered in grey ash. Adjust the rack to 3 to 4 inches from the heat source.

Rinse the fish and pat dry. Lay on a flat surface and cut a horizontal slit in each steak to form a pocket. Divide the cheese into 4 parts. Stuff each steak with a portion of the cheese and the leaves from a sprig of cilantro. Secure the openings with toothpicks. Rub with oil on all sides and season liberally with seasoning salt.

Place the swordfish steaks on the grill. Cover and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. Remove the fish and test for doneness: the flesh should be opaque and not too dry, flaking when a knife tip is inserted, and the cheese should be soft and beginning to melt. Return the fish to the heat and spoon 2 tablespoons of sauce onto each steak, spreading it out. Cover and cook for 1 minute. Remove the swordfish to a serving platter. Garnish with sprigs of cilantro.

Pass the remaining sauce.

Swordfish with mozzarella

Mozzarella is a fresh, soft cheese with a mild flavour and a creamy texture. It is a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine and is often used in dishes such as pizza, lasagna, and caprese salad. While it may not be the first cheese that comes to mind when pairing with swordfish, mozzarella can actually be a delicious choice. Here are some tips and recipes to create a mouth-watering swordfish and mozzarella combination.

Selecting the Right Swordfish

When preparing swordfish with mozzarella, it is important to choose high-quality, fresh swordfish. Look for swordfish steaks or fillets that are firm, with a moist appearance and a fresh sea scent. Avoid any fish with a strong "fishy" odour, as this may indicate that it is not fresh. Swordfish is a meaty fish with a firm texture, making it a good choice for grilling or pan-searing.

Preparing the Swordfish

Before cooking, brush the swordfish with a light coating of olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as rosemary or garlic, to enhance the flavour. Swordfish cooks relatively quickly, so it is important not to overcook it. For best results, grill or pan-sear the swordfish for 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fish. Cook just until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Adding the Mozzarella

Mozzarella pairs well with swordfish because its mild flavour does not overpower the delicate taste of the fish. There are several ways to incorporate mozzarella into your swordfish dish:

• Topping: Slice or grate mozzarella and place it on top of the swordfish during the last minute of cooking. Cover the pan or grill to melt the cheese, creating a delicious, savoury topping.
• Side Dish: Serve a fresh caprese salad as a side dish to accompany your swordfish. Combine sliced mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze for a tasty and attractive dish.
• Pasta: Create a swordfish pasta dish and add mozzarella for a creamy touch. Try a Neapolitan-style pasta, combining seared swordfish, short pasta, tomatoes, olives, garlic, and mozzarella.

Recipe: Swordfish with Mozzarella and Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 swordfish steaks or fillets (about 175g each)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• 225g of fresh mozzarella
• 2 large tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

• Brush the swordfish with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Grill or pan-sear the swordfish for 2-3 minutes on each side, until opaque and cooked through.
• While the swordfish is cooking, prepare the tomato salad. Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes into thin rounds.
• Arrange the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves attractively on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
• Serve the swordfish alongside the tomato and mozzarella salad, adding a final drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Swordfish with blue cheese

Swordfish is a versatile and flavourful fish that can be cooked in many ways, including grilling, baking, and pan-searing. When it comes to choosing a cheese to accompany swordfish, blue cheese is an excellent option, offering a bold flavour that pairs well with the meaty texture of the fish. Here are some tips and recipes to create delicious swordfish dishes with blue cheese:

Blue Cheese and Swordfish Pairing

Blue cheese has a distinct and strong flavour, so when pairing it with swordfish, it's important to ensure the cheese enhances the fish without overwhelming its natural taste. Swordfish is a meaty and firm fish, making it a good match for the robust taste of blue cheese. The key is to balance the flavours so that neither the cheese nor the fish overpowers the other.

Black and Blue Swordfish

This recipe combines blackened swordfish with a blue cheese butter sauce, creating a unique and mouthwatering dish. Start by marinating two 7oz swordfish steaks in olive oil for 45 minutes to prevent drying. Then, rub the steaks with a blackening rub or Cajun spice. Heat up some olive oil in a pan, add the steaks, and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side to achieve a blackened appearance and flavour. Transfer the steaks to a grill set at around 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. While the steaks are on the grill, melt 3 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons of blue cheese. Whisk them together to form a smooth sauce. Finally, remove the swordfish steaks from the grill and generously coat them with the blue cheese butter sauce.

Swordfish with Blue Pesto

This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy the combination of seafood and cheese. It involves pan-searing swordfish steaks and serving them with a homemade blue cheese pesto. To make the pesto, combine 3 cups of basil leaves, 1 clove of garlic, 1/4 cup of roasted and salted pumpkin seeds, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a food processor. Process until pureed, then add a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and mix in 1/4 cup of blue cheese crumbles. For the swordfish, season 4 swordfish steaks (approximately 10oz each) with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat some olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the swordfish and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, being careful not to overcook. Finish the steaks with a bit of butter, swirling it in the pan for the final 10 seconds of cooking. Serve the swordfish with the blue cheese pesto on the side or spread directly on the fish.

Cheese-Topped Swordfish

For a simpler approach, try this baked swordfish recipe with a cheesy topping. You'll need 1 swordfish or halibut steak (about 1 inch thick), 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Place the fish in a greased baking dish, drizzle with butter, and combine mayonnaise with Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture over the fish. Bake uncovered at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 16-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. This dish is perfect for those who want a crispy, cheesy topping on their swordfish.

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