Grilled Swordfish with Za’atar Salsa Verde

I love a fresh herb sauce. This Middle Eastern variation on a classic salsa verde brightened up the grilled fish. We ate it over brown Basmati rice with sautéed collard greens and green kale on the side.

This dish was adapted from Bon Appetit, contributed by Alon Shaya. I used homemade za’atar. I also used swordfish in lieu of red snapper, grilling instead of broiling, and modified the proportions in the salsa verde. Healthy and tasty. 🙂

Yield: Serves 2

• 1 tablespoon pine nuts
• 2 6-ounce swordfish steaks, patted dry
• coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ⅓ cup loosely packed cilantro, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup loosely packed parsley, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated or chopped
• 3/4 teaspoons za’atar
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1. Toast pine nuts in a 400 degree oven (I used a toaster oven.) or a dry small skillet over medium-low heat, tossing often, until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Let cool. Coarsely chop, if desired.
2. Heat a gas grill or broiler. Season fish with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with coriander.
3. Drizzle 1 T oil onto one side of the fish, flip and repeat on the opposite side. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill fish until cooked through, about 3-4 min per side for a 1″ thick steak. (Alternatively, place fish on a small rimmed baking sheet and broil until cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.)
5. Meanwhile, mix together cilantro, parsley, garlic, za’atar, red pepper flakes, and remaining 4 T olive oil in a mini food processor or small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Stir lemon juice and pine nuts into salsa verde and spoon over fish.

 One Year Ago:

• German Potato Salad with Dill

Two Years Ago:

• Broiled Salmon with Asparagus & Shiitake Mushrooms

Three Years Ago:

• Seared Pork Chops with Garlic Scape Chimichurri

Four Years Ago:

• Spicy Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli Rabe
• White Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

About Josette@thebrookcook

I live in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. I love garlic and baking. My hobby (and love) is to try new recipes. My favorite recipe resources include The New York Times, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, and Martha Stewart Living. Enjoy!

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