Grilled Persian Swordfish Kabobs with Zesty Cilantro Tzatziki: Your Healthy & Flavorful Weeknight Feast
Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Persia with these exquisite Grilled Persian Swordfish Kabobs, perfectly complemented by a refreshing Cilantro Tzatziki. This recipe offers a delightful combination of light, flaky swordfish, vibrant vegetables, and an aromatic spice blend, all brought together with the irresistible smoky char of the grill. It’s a quick-cooking, incredibly healthy meal that’s simple to prepare but delivers profound, satisfying Persian flavors, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week, especially when you crave something special yet effortless.
The inspiration for these Persian Swordfish Kabobs with Cilantro Tzatziki stems from cherished dining experiences at authentic Persian restaurants. I distinctly recall a particular meal at a charming eatery in Virginia, just outside Washington D.C., where every dish was a revelation. The freshness of the hummus, the warm, pillowy naan bread, and the fragrant turmeric rice (a dish I’ve since recreated and is often pictured in my kitchen!) created an unforgettable symphony of flavors. It was a true “YUMMM-O!” moment. These swordfish kabobs are my ode to that memory, allowing me to bring that entire tremendous Persian feast, rich with authentic tastes and aromas, right into my own home.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Erica, swordfish is expensive!” And you’re not wrong – it can be. Just last week, I spotted swordfish on sale for $8.99 a pound, and even then, I hesitated at the thought of spending $14 just on fish. However, a clever trick to enjoying this magnificent fish without breaking the bank is to look for “trimmings” or “chunks.” My daughter, with her keen eye for a good deal, pointed out a bin of assorted swordfish chunks for only $6.99/lb. Instantly, I was sold! These smaller pieces are perfect for kabobs, offering the same exquisite flavor and firm texture as larger fillets, but at a fraction of the cost. Swordfish is a fantastic choice for grilling, renowned for its meaty texture that holds up beautifully to high heat, making it an excellent canvas for vibrant marinades and achieving that perfect seared finish.
The Aromatic Heart of Persian Cuisine
What truly elevates these kabobs is the incredible interplay of flavors. The robust, earthy notes of Persian spices, combined with the irreplaceable smoky essence achieved only by cooking on a hot grill, complement the mild, rich flavor of swordfish perfectly. Persian cuisine is celebrated for its judicious use of spices that build complex, yet balanced, flavor profiles. Here, we harness the golden hue and subtle peppery warmth of turmeric, the sweet and slightly smoky depth of paprika, the citrusy brightness of coriander, and the distinctive earthiness of cumin. These spices are not just for flavoring; they imbue the swordfish with a beautiful aroma and a tantalizing color that is characteristic of Middle Eastern grilling. A simple marinade incorporating fresh lemon juice and good quality extra virgin olive oil acts as the perfect vehicle, tenderizing the fish slightly while ensuring every chunk is thoroughly infused with these glorious spices.
Cilantro Tzatziki: A Fresh and Cooling Companion
To balance the warmth of the spices and the smokiness of the grill, we pair these kabobs with a truly exceptional Cilantro Tzatziki. This isn’t your traditional dill-and-cucumber tzatziki; it’s a Persian-inspired twist that brings a distinct freshness and herbaceous kick. The cool, creamy plain Greek yogurt provides a soothing counterpoint, while fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness. Grated yellow or white onion offers a subtle pungency that enhances the depth of flavor, and generous amounts of fresh chopped cilantro weave through, providing an aromatic, slightly peppery lift that ties everything together. This dip is more than just a condiment; it’s an integral part of the meal, offering a refreshing contrast that makes each bite utterly delightful and awwwllll just right. Oh yeah, and it’s incredibly healthy too, packed with probiotics and lean protein!
Persian Swordfish Kabobs with Cilantro Tzatziki
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Ingredients
- 1-1/2 lb swordfish cut into 2 to 3-inch chunks
- 1 lb yellow squash
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 T extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ c cilantro
- ½ t turmeric
- ½ t paprika
- ¼ t coriander
- ¼ t cumin
- ½ t kosher salt
- couple pinches fresh cracked pepper
Cilantro Tzatziki
- ½ c plain Greek yogurt
- 2 t fresh lemon juice
- 1 t fresh grated yellow or white onion
- 2 T fresh chopped cilantro
- pinch kosher salt
- pinch fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
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In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, cilantro, turmeric, paprika, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss in the swordfish, squash, and tomatoes to coat. Marinate 30 minutes in the fridge.
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In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the Cilantro Tzatziki. Chill until ready to serve.
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Heat the grill to high heat. Thread the fish, squash, and tomatoes onto skewers. Grill skewers, 5 minutes per side. Serve with Cilantro Tzatziki. Yield: 4 servings.
Mastering Your Persian Swordfish Kabobs: Tips for Grilling Perfection
Achieving perfectly grilled kabobs is all about technique. For this recipe, starting with high-quality ingredients is key, and cutting your swordfish into uniform 2-3 inch chunks ensures even cooking. The yellow squash and cherry tomatoes add vibrant color and a pleasant sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading to prevent them from burning on the grill. The marinade, a simple yet powerful blend of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh cilantro, turmeric, paprika, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper, requires just 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This brief marination time is ideal for swordfish, allowing the flavors to penetrate without compromising the fish’s firm texture, unlike longer marinades that can sometimes break down delicate proteins.
When it comes to grilling, high heat is your friend. Preheat your grill to high, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated swordfish chunks, squash, and cherry tomatoes onto the skewers, alternating them for visual appeal and even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; allow a little space between each piece for the heat to circulate. Grill the skewers for approximately 5 minutes per side. Swordfish cooks relatively quickly, and the goal is to achieve a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender. You’ll know it’s done when the fish turns opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking will result in dry fish, so keep a close eye on it!
Creating a Complete Persian Feast and Health Benefits
These Persian Swordfish Kabobs are fantastic on their own, but to truly recreate that memorable restaurant experience, consider serving them alongside other authentic Persian dishes. The hummus and naan bread mentioned earlier are perfect companions, as is a fluffy bed of turmeric rice. A simple green salad with a lemon-herb vinaigrette would also complement the flavors beautifully, adding another layer of freshness and texture. For an extra touch, garnish your plate with fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon. This meal also shines in terms of nutritional value. Swordfish is an excellent source of lean protein and heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for brain function and reducing inflammation. The vibrant yellow squash and cherry tomatoes contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki provides probiotics for gut health and calcium for strong bones. With the fresh herbs and spices, you’re getting incredible flavor without relying on excessive fats or sodium, making it a wholesome and satisfying choice for any health-conscious diner.
~✿♥✿~
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a delightful and healthy weeknight dinner, these Persian Swordfish Kabobs with Cilantro Tzatziki are guaranteed to impress. They perfectly embody the essence of fresh, flavorful, and easy cooking, allowing you to bring the vibrant tastes of Persian cuisine to your table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Give them a try and savor the magic of grilled swordfish marinated in aromatic spices, perfectly balanced by a cool, zesty herb dip.