Grilled fish skewers are a delightful and healthy option for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of swordfish or tuna cubes with a zesty lemon juice marinade creates a flavorful and succulent dish that is sure to impress your guests. The addition of fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness, making these skewers a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
If you don't usually have swordfish or tuna at home, you might need to visit the seafood section of your supermarket. These fish are typically sold fresh or frozen, and you can ask the fishmonger to cut them into cubes for you. Fresh parsley can be found in the produce section, and it's worth getting a bunch for its vibrant flavor and color.

Ingredients For Grilled Fish Skewers
Swordfish: A firm, meaty fish that holds up well on the grill, providing a rich and slightly sweet flavor.
Tuna: Another firm fish option, known for its mild flavor and ability to stay moist when grilled.
Olive oil: Used to coat the fish and prevent sticking, while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish and other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the marinade.
Lemon juice: Provides a bright, tangy flavor that complements the fish perfectly.
Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic element to the marinade.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to the finished dish.
Technique Tip for Perfect Fish Skewers
When preparing fish skewers, ensure the fish cubes are cut into uniform sizes. This helps them cook evenly on the grill. Additionally, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the fish to prevent them from burning.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
swordfish - Substitute with mahi-mahi: Mahi-mahi has a firm texture and mild flavor similar to swordfish, making it a great alternative for grilling.
tuna - Substitute with salmon: Salmon has a rich flavor and firm texture that holds up well on skewers, similar to tuna.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for grilling.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can also provide the necessary saltiness.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile but is slightly milder, making it a good alternative.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice has a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement for lemon juice.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a mild garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness, making them a good alternative.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro has a fresh, vibrant flavor that can replace parsley in many dishes, especially those with a citrus component.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Fish Skewers
How to Store or Freeze Fish Skewers
- Allow the grilled fish skewers to cool completely at room temperature before storing.
- Wrap each skewer individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped skewers in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
- Store the skewers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 2 months.
- When ready to reheat, thaw frozen skewers in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the skewers on a grill or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fish rubbery.
- Serve with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to revive the flavors.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the fish skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Use a microwave for a quick reheat. Place the fish skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the fish skewers in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the fish skewers in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
For a grill reheat, preheat your grill to low heat. Place the fish skewers on the grill and cover. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook.
Essential Tools for Perfect Fish Skewers
Grill: Used to cook the fish skewers evenly with a nice char and smoky flavor.
Skewers: Used to thread the fish cubes for grilling.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Basting brush: Used to brush the olive oil mixture onto the fish cubes.
Tongs: Used to turn the skewers on the grill for even cooking.
Cutting board: Used to cut the swordfish or tuna into cubes.
Chef's knife: Used to cut the fish into cubes and mince the garlic.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Serving platter: Used to serve the grilled fish skewers.
Chopping knife: Used to chop the fresh parsley.
How to Save Time on Making Fish Skewers
Prepare the marinade ahead: Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper the night before to save time.
Pre-cut fish: Buy pre-cut swordfish or tuna cubes from the store to skip the cutting step.
Use metal skewers: Metal skewers don't need soaking like wooden ones, saving you prep time.
Organize ingredients: Lay out all your ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Batch grilling: Grill multiple skewers at once to reduce cooking time.

Grilled Fish Skewers (Swordfish/Tuna cubes)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Swordfish or Tuna, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- 2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Thread the fish cubes onto skewers and brush with the olive oil mixture.
- 4. Grill the skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the fish is cooked through.
- 5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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