Grilled Sardines with Broccoli
Prep
15 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This is one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it comes together in just 35 minutes and tastes like something from a coastal restaurant. Fresh sardines are packed with omega 3 fatty acids that are wonderful for your heart and brain, plus they're incredibly affordable compared to other fish. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: you grill the sardines until they're crispy and golden, toss the broccoli with garlic and olive oil, then finish everything with bright lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It's a meal that feels special but requires almost no fuss, and honestly, once you try it, you'll be making it constantly.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 12fresh sardines(cleaned and gutted)
- ¾ kgbroccoli crowns(cut into florets)
- 6 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 2fresh lemon(halved)
- 1 teaspoonred chili flakes
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- 3 tablespoonsfresh parsley(chopped)
- ½ teaspoongarlic powder
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until it's hot and grates are clean.
Tip: Oil your grill grates with a high-heat oil to prevent sticking.
- 2
Pat the cleaned sardines dry with paper towels and brush both sides lightly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season inside and out with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Tip: Dry sardines will grill better and develop better color.
- 3
In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Tip: Don't over-crowd the broccoli; a light coating of oil helps it char beautifully.
- 4
Place broccoli florets directly on the grill grates and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the florets are tender with charred edges.
Tip: Keep an eye on the heat; adjust if broccoli is browning too quickly.
- 5
Once broccoli is nearly done, arrange sardines on the grill perpendicular to the grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them.
Tip: Resist the urge to flip too early; this creates better grill marks.
- 6
Carefully flip the sardines and grill for another 2-3 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Tip: Sardines cook quickly, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
- 7
Transfer grilled sardines and broccoli to a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything.
Tip: The acid from lemon brightens the flavors beautifully.
- 8
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Tip: Serve with crusty bread to soak up any pan juices.
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