Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 medium yellow onion, thickly sliced lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 4 8-ounce swordfish steaks
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 cups white wine
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Method

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion and saute for 1 minute.
  • Add the capers and saute until the onions are just barely translucent, about 2 minutes.
  • (Be careful when you add the capers; they may spit in the hot oil.)
  • Push the vegetables to the side of the pan with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle both sides of each swordfish steak with a pinch each of salt and pepper.
  • Lay the swordfish in the middle of the frying pan, leaving the onions pushed to the side.
  • Cook the swordfish for 2 minutes.
  • While the swordfish cooks, stir the vegetable mixture to prevent it from burning.
  • Reduce the temperature to medium and flip the swordfish.
  • Spoon the vegetable mixture on top of the swordfish.
  • Cook the swordfish for 1 1/2 more minutes, or to desired level of doneness.
  • For medium rare, a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the swordfish will read 145 F. For medium to well done, cook the fish to 155 F. or higher.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the swordfish to a serving platter, leaving the onion mixture in the pan.
  • Add the garlic, lemon juice, white wine, sugar, and a pinch each of salt and pepper to the onion mixture and stir.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce the liquid to 1/4 cup, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat, add the basil, and whisk in the butter until it melts.
  • Spoon the sauce over the swordfish and serve.