Best 2 Simple Grilled Sardines Recipes

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In the realm of grilled delights, sardines stand out as an affordable, versatile, and incredibly flavorful fish. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or just starting your culinary journey, mastering the art of grilling sardines is a rewarding experience. These small, oily fish pack a punch of umami, and when cooked over an open flame, their skin becomes crispy while their flesh remains tender and succulent. With their mild flavor, sardines are a blank canvas for a variety of marinades and seasonings, allowing you to explore endless flavor combinations. So gather your ingredients, fire up your grill, and get ready to embark on a tasteful adventure with grilled sardines.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

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

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.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh sardines: Look for sardines with bright, silvery skin and clear eyes.
  • Clean the sardines: Remove the heads, tails, and guts of the sardines. Rinse the sardines thoroughly under cold water.
  • Season the sardines: Drizzle the sardines with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as lemon zest, garlic powder, or paprika.
  • 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.
  • Serve the sardines: Serve the sardines immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion:

Grilled sardines are a healthy and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. Sardines are also a sustainable seafood choice, as they are a plentiful fish that is not overfished. If you are looking for a new way to cook sardines, try grilling them. You won't be disappointed!

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