Best 3 Grilled Fresh Sardines Recipes

Grilled fresh sardines are a delicacy that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This versatile fish can be cooked in a variety of ways, but grilling is one of the most popular methods. When grilled properly, sardines have a crispy skin and a tender, flaky interior. They are also packed with flavor, thanks to their high oil content. If you are looking for a healthy and delicious way to cook sardines, then grilling is the way to go. In this article, we will provide you with a few tips on how to grill sardines perfectly, as well as some of our favorite recipes.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GRILLED FRESH SARDINES

Grilled Fresh Sardines image

The modest sardine turns into a delectable appetizer when grilled with salt, pepper, and a brush of olive oil.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

8 medium whole fresh sardines (about 1 pound total), gutted, rinsed inside and out, and patted dry
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
6 inch baguette (about 4 ounces), cut diagonally into 16 thin slices
1 garlic clove, peeled
Vegetable-oil cooking spray
1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

Steps:

Brush both sides of fish using 1 tablespoon oil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
Rub cut sides of bread with garlic. Brush with remaining oil, and sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper.
Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat with cooking spray. Grill bread until crisp, about 1 minute per side. Grill sardines until cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Serve on a platter with bread and lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 236 g, Cholesterol 65 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 466 g

GRILLED FRESH SARDINES WITH FENNEL AND PRESERVED LEMON

Grilled Fresh Sardines with Fennel and Preserved Lemon image

Categories Citrus Fish Herb Onion Braise Lemon Fennel Grill/Barbecue Gourmet

Yield Makes 6 (First course) servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

For fennel
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium fennel bupounds (sometimes labeled "anise"; about 1 1/2 pounds total), stalks discarded and bulb halved lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch-wide wedges
1/2 red onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (1/2 cup)
4 teaspoons finely chopped rind (zest and white pith) from preserved lemon
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup water
For sardines
12 fresh sardines (about 2 to 3 ounces each), cleaned, leaving head and tail intact
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
Special Equipment
a well-seasoned ridged grill pan

Steps:

Cook fennel:
Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook fennel, onion, preserved lemon rind, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add water and braise, covered, stirring occasionally, until fennel is very tender and slightly caramelized and water is evaporated, about 10 minutes. Keep warm, covered.
Grill sardines while fennel cooks:
Rinse sardines and pat dry, then spread out on a platter. Drizzle sardines with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with sea salt, fennel seeds, and pepper.
Heat grill pan over moderately high heat until hot. Oil grill pan and grill sardines, in 2 batches if necessary, turning over once, until just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes total per batch. Transfer as cooked to a clean platter with a slotted spatula.
Stir together lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Serve sardines on fennel mixture sprinkled with dill and drizzled with lemon dressing.

SIMPLE GRILLED FRESH SARDINES

Simple Grilled Fresh Sardines image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

12 fresh sardines, (about 1 1/2 pounds), cleaned, rinsed, and patted dry
1/3 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chervil, thyme, tarragon, or basil
Juice of 1 lemon
Freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon sherry-wine vinegar
Olive oil cooking spray, for grill pan

Steps:

Place sardines in a shallow dish. Top with olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoons herbs, and lemon juice. Turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap, and let marinate in refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes.
Heat a large grill pan over high heat. When grill pan is hot, spray well with cooking spray. Season sardines with pepper. Place on grill pan, and grill until golden brown and cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove to a serving plate.
Sprinkle sardines with parsley. Drizzle with sherry wine vinegar; serve immediately.

Tips for Grilling Fresh Sardines:

Choose fresh sardines: Look for sardines with bright, clear eyes, firm flesh, and a mild fishy smell.
Clean the sardines: Remove the heads, tails, and internal organs of the sardines. Rinse the sardines under cold water and pat them dry.
Season the sardines: Season the sardines with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. You can also brush the sardines with olive oil or lemon juice.
Grill the sardines: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the sardines on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the sardines are cooked through. Alternatively, sardines can be grilled in a grill pan or griddle.
Serve the sardines: Serve the sardines hot off the grill with your favorite sides.

Conclusion:

Grilled fresh sardines are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this oily fish. Sardines are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. They are also a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. When grilled, sardines develop a crispy skin and a tender, flaky interior. Serve grilled sardines with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple salad.