Skip to main content

Harissa-Crusted Swordfish

Image may contain French Toast Food Toast and Bread
Alex Lau

This homemade take on harissa is bold enough to use on pork chops or chicken thighs, too. You can also toss it with broccoli or carrots before roasting.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 Servings

Ingredients

2 red chiles (such as Fresno)
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
2 tablespoons cumin seeds
½ preserved lemon, flesh removed
2 garlic cloves
1 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
4 8-ounce swordfish fillets (about 1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat broiler. Broil chiles on a foil-lined baking sheet, turning occasionally, until blackened all over, 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit 15 minutes. Peel and set aside.

    Step 2

    Toast coriander and cumin seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer spices to a blender and let cool. Add preserved lemon peel, garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, and reserved chiles and blend until smooth. Transfer harissa to a small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Set ¼ cup harissa aside for serving.

    Step 3

    Season swordfish with salt and pepper and place in a large baking dish. Coat with remaining harissa; cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.

    Step 4

    Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Working in batches if needed, cook swordfish until cooked through (fish will feel firm when pressed), about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and serve with reserved harissa.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
No grill needed for this just-charred-enough sweet and spicy chicken.
Fontina and fried shallots make this diner-style omelet perfectly acceptable dinner fare.