Best 8 Grilled Sardines Recipes

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Grilled sardines are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this oily fish. They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart and brain. Sardines are also a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Grilling sardines is a simple and easy way to cook them, and it allows you to enjoy their delicate flavor. You can grill sardines whole or filleted, and you can use a variety of marinades and seasonings to create different flavors. Whether you are a seasoned griller or a beginner, you are sure to find a grilled sardine recipe that you will love.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

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

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 SARDINES



Grilled Sardines image

What to do about seafood? Nutritionists say we should eat more, that many types of fish are nutritious and contain fats that seem to protect the heart. I know from experience that many of them can make for fine meals. If you've only had sardines from a can, you may turn up your nose at them. Fresh ones will change your mind. Brush them with olive oil, toss a few sprigs of rosemary onto a hot grill, and grill them. Sardines take two to three minutes to grill and about that long to eat. They're a rare treat and a great nutritional package, containing omega-3 fats, selenium, vitamin B12, calcium, niacin and phosphorus.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 15m

Yield Serves four

Number Of Ingredients 6

24 medium or large sardines, cleaned
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt
freshly ground pepper
A handful of fresh rosemary sprigs
Lemon wedges

Steps:

  • Prepare a hot grill, making sure the grill is oiled. Rinse the sardines, and dry with paper towels. Toss with the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  • When the grill is ready, toss the rosemary sprigs directly on the fire. Wait for the flames to die down, then place the sardines directly over the heat, in batches if necessary. Grill for a minute or two on each side, depending on the size. Transfer from the grill to a platter using tongs or a wide metal spatula, and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 160, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 1 gram, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 197 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams

SARDINHAS ASSADAS / PORTUGUESE GRILLED SARDINES



Sardinhas Assadas / Portuguese Grilled Sardines image

I am working though posting some recipes from my Portuguese cookbooks, this one is adapted from Portuguese cooking by Hilaire Walden. I plan on making this recipe but if you make it before I do, I would appreciate the feedback.

Provided by kiwidutch

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

16 -20 sardines
sea salt
olive oil

Steps:

  • Rinse the sardines and remove the scales, then sprinkle liberally with the sea salt and leave for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat your grill, broiler or barbecue so that it's nice and hot.
  • Rinse the sardines under some water and then dry them with papertowels.
  • Brush the sardines with a little olive oil and then grill for several minutes each side until they are cooked.
  • Serve immediately with a dash of olive oil drizzled over the tops, and sea salt sprinkled over them.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 99.8, Fat 5.5, SaturatedFat 0.7, Cholesterol 68.2, Sodium 242.4, Protein 11.8

SIMPLE GRILLED SARDINES



Simple Grilled Sardines image

Grilled fresh sardines are often offered on restaurant menus, but it's very easy to make them at home, whether over hot coals or under the broiler. At the fishmonger, look for firm, shiny, glistening specimens. Sardines are a sustainable fish choice and are high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Most importantly, they are extremely delicious. For a Mediterranean touch, grill the fish on fig leaves: After cooking the sardines on one side, lay four fig leaves on the grill and place two fish, cooked side up, on top of each leaf to finish cooking. The fig leaves will add a subtle perfume to the sardines (they look beautiful, too), but they are not edible.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, seafood, appetizer, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 fresh sardines (about 1 1/2 pounds), cleaned and scaled
Salt and pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium fennel bulbs, trimmed and very finely sliced
Lemon wedges
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

Steps:

  • Prepare a medium-hot charcoal fire or stovetop grill pan, or light the broiler.
  • Season sardines inside and out with salt and pepper and paint both sides lightly with olive oil.
  • Lay sardines on the grill and cook them on one side for about 2 minutes, until nicely browned. (Sardines rarely stick to the grill.) Carefully flip sardines and cook for about 2 minutes more, until just done.
  • Transfer each portion to individual plates. Put the sliced fennel in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Dress with about 2 tablespoons olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Place a pile of dressed fennel evenly on each plate. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 297, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 36 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 683 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams

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

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.

GRILLED SARDINES AND ASPARAGUS WITH CITRUS, CHILES AND SESAME



Grilled Sardines and Asparagus With Citrus, Chiles and Sesame image

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     brunch, dinner, weekday, appetizer, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

16 or 20 fat asparagus stalks
8 scaled, gutted whole sardines
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt
1 tablespoon white and black sesame seeds, toasted
5 or 6 mild chiles, like pasilla
2 cloves garlic
1 bunch mint
½ bunch cilantro
1 bunch chives
2 sprigs tarragon
3 cups assorted citrus segments (orange, grapefruit, pomelo, etc.).

Steps:

  • Prepare a medium-hot grill. Break off the woody ends of the asparagus, and peel each stalk from the flower all the way to the end. Blanch the asparagus in salted water until bright green but slightly crunchier than you want. Spread them out on a baking sheet, and allow to cool.
  • Brush the sardines with a small amount of olive oil, and season with salt and a big pinch of the sesame seeds. Toss the cooled asparagus with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and sesame as well.
  • Break up the chiles into manageable pieces, and grind in a coffee or spice grinder to a coarse texture. Rehydrate the chiles by mixing with a couple of tablespoons of boiling water.
  • Pound the garlic with a mortar and pestle until it is a roughish purée. Chop the herbs. Mix the chiles, garlic and herbs with enough olive oil to make a thick but pourable sauce. Add a pinch of salt, and taste.
  • Put the sardines on the grill, and cook until fairly brown and halfway done. Carefully flip them over, and grill on the other side. Larger sardines will take 3 or 4 minutes on each side, smaller ones about 2 minutes on each side. Grill the asparagus for about the same time.
  • Spread the citrus on a platter, and lightly season with salt. Place the hot sardines and asparagus on top of the citrus. Spoon over some of the herby chile sauce, and sprinkle the rest of the sesame over the top. Serve the remaining sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 205, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 694 milligrams, Sugar 13 grams

SIMPLE GRILLED FRESH SARDINES



Simple Grilled Fresh Sardines image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 7

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.

PASTA WITH GRILLED SARDINES AND BITTER GREENS



Pasta with Grilled Sardines and Bitter Greens image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 12

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grilling and serving
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 medium shallots, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
Pinch of crushed red-pepper flakes
2 bunches dandelion greens, trimmed and roughly chopped (about 8 cups packed)
2 heads frisee, trimmed and roughly chopped (about 8 cups packed)
1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade or low-sodium canned broth
1 1/4 pounds sardines (about 8), 6 to 7 inches in length, cleaned
Zest of one lemon, plus more for serving, plus the juice of 1/2 lemon
1 pound bucatini pasta
1 1/2 cups Parmigiano-Reggiano

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  • Heat oil and butter in a large, heavy, straight-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring, until well browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low; continue to cook, stirring occasionally until very soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red-pepper flakes.
  • Add dandelion greens and saute until just beginning to wilt, about 3 minutes. Add frisee and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until greens are tender.
  • Heat grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil. Drizzle sardines with lemon juice. Season sardines with salt and pepper. Cook 3 minutes per side and transfer to a cutting board. Fillet the sardines, discarding bones; set aside.
  • Add pasta to boiling water until al dente, then drain, reserving some of the cooking water. Add pasta to the greens mixture and gently stir in lemon zest, parmesan, and sardine fillets. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in enough of the reserved cooking water to form a sauce. Serve immediately with additional lemon zest, cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh sardines: Look for sardines that are plump and have clear eyes. Avoid any that are discolored or have a slimy texture.
  • Clean the sardines properly: Remove the heads, tails, and guts of the sardines. You can also remove the scales, but this is optional.
  • Marinate the sardines: Marinating the sardines in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices will help to enhance their taste.
  • Grill the sardines over high heat: This will help to cook them quickly and evenly. Make sure to grill them for just a few minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
  • Serve the sardines immediately: Grilled sardines are best served immediately, while they are still hot and crispy.

Conclusion:

Grilled sardines are a delicious and healthy meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. Grilling sardines is a quick and easy way to cook them, and it allows you to enjoy their natural flavors. So next time you are looking for a healthy and delicious meal, give grilled sardines a try!

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