Pixxispad Mixwi (Grilled Swordfish)
Maltese grilled swordfish with lemon, garlic, capers, parsley, and olive oil. Fresh, simple, and perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients
Have your ingredients ready? Go to instructionsMeasures: 1 tbsp = 15ml; 1 tsp = 5ml. For local ingredient names and substitutions, see our guide to Maltese ingredients abroad.
Instructions
- Marinate the fish: Pat the swordfish dry. Mix the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the fish and leave to marinate for 20-30 minutes.
- Heat the grill: Preheat a grill pan, barbecue, or oven grill until hot.
- Cook: Grill the swordfish for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until just cooked through. Avoid overcooking or it will become dry.
- Rest and serve: Rest for 2 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges and any remaining herb oil spooned over the top.
Pixxispad Mixwi is a simple Maltese grilled swordfish dish, bright with lemon, garlic, parsley, capers, and olive oil. It is the kind of fish recipe that belongs to summer lunches, seaside restaurants, and easy family cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with salad and Maltese bread
- Pair with patata l-forn or boiled potatoes
- Add grilled vegetables on the side
- Finish with extra lemon at the table
Traditional Notes & Tips
- Swordfish dries out quickly, so cook it only until just done
- Capers and lemon balance the richness of the fish
- A barbecue gives the best flavour in warm weather
- Tuna steaks can be cooked in a similar way
- Fresh parsley should be added generously