I was originally going to call this recipe "Grilled Swordfish with White Lightning Sauce," but then I saw a commercial from a certain fast food chain promoting something called "White Hot Ranch," and I decided I liked that name even better. So, I stole it with the hopes that one day people will think they took the idea from me. Only time will tell.
Since we're grilling over white-hot coals, and the sauce is very spicy, I think the name is perfect, plus I didn't want people to think we were using moonshine in it. I don't imagine that would taste very good, and "white lightning" is one beverage you do not want to be drinking around a fire. You only make that mistake once.
Besides the occasional salmon fillet, I don't grill a lot of fish, but I when I do, I absolutely love a nice thick piece of swordfish. It has a wonderfully meaty texture, and is fairly forgiving if you overcook it for a few seconds, which I did, and yet it was still moist and tender. If you can't find, or don't like swordfish, don't worry, this incredibly versatile sauce would be great on anything coming off a grill, whether it's from the sea, land, or air; but no matter what you're cooking, I really do hope you give this white hot sauce a try soon.
Ingredients
For the White Hot Sauce:
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1 habanero chile, seeded and thinly sliced
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¼ teaspoon kosher salt
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon extra-hot prepared horseradish
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2 teaspoons lemon juice
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, or to taste
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¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
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⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Fish:
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2 (6 ounce) swordfish steaks
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2 teaspoons olive oil
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salt to taste
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1 tablespoon sliced green onions
Directions
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Gather all ingredients.
![Various plates and bowls filled with ingredients to make grilled swordfish with hot sauce.]()
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Crush the habanero and kosher salt into a fine paste with a mortar and pestle.
![Smashed haberno peppers in a mortar and pestle.]()
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Whisk in mayonnaise, horseradish, lemon juice, vinegar, white pepper, and garlic powder.
![Mayonnaise in a mortar and pestle with a small wire whisk.]()
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Strain sauce through a fine mesh strainer before using to remove the pepper skins and particles of horseradish. Set aside until needed.
![White pepper sauce in a small bowl.]()
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Preheat a charcoal grill until coals are very hot.
![Coals heating in a grill.]()
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Coat filets on both sides with olive oil and season with salt.
![Oiled and seasoned swordfish fillets.]()
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Place filets on the preheated grill, flipping as needed, until they spring back lightly to the touch. Remove from heat.
![Swordfish fillets cooking on a charcoal grill.]()
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
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Plate fish as desired and top with white hot sauce and green onions.
![Grilled Swordfish with White Hot Sauce served on a white plate.]()
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
Chef's Notes:
If you don't have a mortar and pestle for the sauce, you can mince the pepper very, very finely before proceeding with the recipe. You can use any vinegar you prefer. If you don't have white pepper, you can use freshly ground black pepper.
Top this with sliced chives instead of green onions, if you prefer.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 650 | Calories |
| 55g | Fat |
| 4g | Carbs |
| 34g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 2 | |
| Calories 650 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 55g | 71% |
| Saturated Fat 9g | 46% |
| Cholesterol 86mg | 29% |
| Sodium 728mg | 32% |
| Total Carbohydrate 4g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 2% |
| Protein 34g | 68% |
| Potassium 541mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
