Garlic Marinated Swordfish (Portuguese Espadarte Em Vinha D'Alhos)

This wonderful swordfish recipe comes from the beautiful Portuguese islands of Madeira, nestled in the erratic Atlantic ocean waters.

4 (1") thick swordfish steaks
2 tsp. coarse sea salt
¼ tsp. white pepper, freshly ground
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
pinch crushed dried chili pepper
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 cup wine vinegar, red or white

Rinse the fish steaks in ice cold water and pat them dry.

Make a paste using a mortar pestle with the salt, pepper, parsley, garlic, bay leaf and ½ cup olive oil to make the marinade.

Rub the seasoning on all sides of the steaks. Place the fish steaks, in a single layer, on a flat pan.

Pour on the wine vinegar, being careful not to “wash” the seasoning off the fish steaks. Use enough wine vinegar to cover the fish completely. With a fork, gently lift up each steak to make sure the wine reaches under them as well.

Cover and let steak marinate for 30-60 minutes, no longer.

Pan fry the steaks in remaining olive oil, 5 minutes for each side.