Species
Billfish
Description
This large fish with a long, flat, sword-like upper jaw is available wild-caught. It is a nomadic marine fish found in the open ocean right around the Australian coast, hunting near the surface mainly at night but also capable of diving to depths of at least 600m. It is caught mainly by Tuna longliners off the east and west coasts.
Though similar in appearance to Marlin it is easily distinguished by its longer, flattened ‘sword’ and lack of scales.
Other Names
Broadbill Swordfish.
Family
Xiphiidae (Swordfishes).
Season
Available year round, with peaks in June-August.
Size and Weight
Average 70 - 150kg and 1.5 - 3 metres (measured from tip of lower jaw to tail fin), but can grow to about 540kg and 4.5 metres.
Price
Medium-high priced.
Relations
Though similar to other billfish, such as Marlin, it is the only living member of its family and has no close relatives.
To Buy
Usually sold as steaks, but also sometimes as cutlets or sashimi. Look for cream-pale pink, firm, lustrous, moist flesh without any brown markings or oozing water and with a pleasant fresh sea smell.
To Store
Lay in a single layer on a plate and cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months below -18ºC.
To Cook
Average yield is 70% from trunks.
Has a slightly sweet flavour, high oiliness and moist, firm flesh with fine flakes. Overcooked it quickly becomes dry.
The thick skin should be removed. The centre bone of cutlets can be removed and a filling placed in the cavity.
Cooking Methods
Pan-fry, bake, braise, grill, barbecue, smoke, raw (sashimi), pickle. The firm flesh holds together well in soups, curries and casseroles and can be cubed for kebabs.
Goes Well With
Anchovies, capsicum, chilli, citrus, garlic, ginger, green onions, mirin, olives, olive oil, onion, sesame oil, tomato, soy sauce, vinegar, wasabi.
Alternatives
Albacore, Bonito, Striped Marlin, Tuna.
Imports
Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and other Pacific Islands, as fresh trunks or loins.
Recipes
Balsamic-Marinated Swordfish Steaks with Seared Vegetables
Swordfish Crudo
Tandoori-style Swordfish with Mint & Yoghurt Sauce