Roasted Sardines with Garlic
Prep
15 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Crispy golden sardines infused with pungent roasted garlic, lemon, and aromatic herbs create a simple yet elegant Mediterranean appetizer that's bursting with omega-3s and authentic coastal flavors.
Ella x
Ingredients
- ¾ kgfresh sardines(cleaned and gutted)
- 12garlic cloves(sliced thin)
- 6 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
- 3fresh rosemary sprigs
- 4fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper(freshly ground)
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoonlemon zest
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the cleaned sardines dry with paper towels and arrange them on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Tip: Drying the sardines helps them roast more evenly and become crispier on the outside.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine the sliced garlic with 4 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.
Tip: This garlic mixture can be prepared while your oven preheats to save time.
- 3
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the sardines on the baking sheet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 4
Scatter the garlic-oil mixture over and around the sardines. Tuck the rosemary and thyme sprigs between the fish and on top of them.
Tip: Don't worry if some garlic pieces fall onto the baking sheet—they'll roast beautifully and add wonderful flavor.
- 5
Roast in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, until the sardine skin is slightly crispy and the flesh is opaque throughout.
Tip: The sardines are done when you can easily flake the flesh with a fork and the garlic is golden and caramelized.
- 6
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the fresh lemon zest over the sardines while they're still hot.
Tip: Adding the zest after cooking preserves its bright, fresh aroma.
- 7
Transfer the sardines and all the roasted garlic to a serving platter, discarding the herb sprigs if desired, and drizzle with any pan juices.
Tip: The rendered juices are liquid gold—make sure to include them for maximum flavor.
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