Grilled Swordfish Kebabs with Asian BBQ Sauce

Grilled Swordfish Kebabs with Asian BBQ Sauce

In an effort to find new ways of grilling fish, I decided to put a twist on the traditional BBQ sauce that Brian loves so much. Fish is an incredibly healthy and low calorie way to fill a lot of your nutritional requirements. Swordfish contains only 103 calories (per 3 0z serving), is low in fat (only 5%) and high in protein (16.8 g - RDA of protein is 45 g). You can use this BBQ sauce on many different types of fish - salmon, tuna or even cod. The 'secret' ingredient is Chinese Five Spice Powder - which is a combination of cinnamon, star anise, fennel, cloves and ginger. It is thought to be based upon the Chinese philosophy of balancing the 'yin and yang' in food because it incorporates sweet, sour, bitter, savory and salty flavors. Keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way, so add a small amount at a time and keep tasting until you're happy! This spicey blend can be found in most grocery stores. If you don't find it in the spice section, check the Asian food section. I served this over ginger scented brown rice (great source of fiber!) with stir fried sugar snap peas, carrots and onions. It is absolutely delicious and could possibly make a fish lover out of even the most skeptical!

origin - Lisa Lou
difficulty - easy
health meter - high

1 1b. swordfish cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes, skin removed (approximately 3-5 oz per person)

Marinade (optional!)
juice of one lime
3 tbsp. olive oil (or vegetable oil)
4 tbsp. terriyaki sauce

Combine marinade ingredients, pour over fish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Do not overmarinate! Place fish on metal skewers and grill 3-4 minutes per side. Baste with Asian BBQ sauce (recipe below) halfway through grilling. Let rest for 3 minutes and serve!

Asian BBQ Sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tsp. chile paste
1/2 tsp. five spice powder
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp. cooking sherry (if you don't have just increase the vinegar amount)
2 tbsp. grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. honey

Combine all ingredients and let rest for at lest 30 minutes. To serve additional sauce with the fish, cook over medium heat in saucepan for 10 minutes.