How to Prepare Fresh Sardines

🔪 Preparation Steps

  1. Clean the sardines
    • Rinse the fish under cold water.
    • Use the back of a knife to gently scrape off the scales from tail to head.
    • Make a shallow cut along the belly and remove the innards. Rinse again.
    • You can leave the heads on or remove them, depending on preference.
  2. Season
    • Pat the sardines dry with paper towels.
    • Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
    • Optional: add garlic, parsley, chili flakes, or paprika for extra flavor.
  3. Cook
    • Grill: Place on a hot grill for 2–3 minutes per side until skin is crispy.
    • Pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet and fry sardines for 2–3 minutes per side.
    • Oven-roast: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden.
  4. Serve
    • Plate with lemon wedges and a drizzle of olive oil.
    • Pair with crusty bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Leave a Comment