Roasted Sardines with Garlic
Prep
15 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This recipe has become my go to weeknight dinner because it comes together in under an hour and tastes restaurant quality. Fresh sardines are packed with omega 3 fatty acids that are wonderful for heart health, plus they're budget friendly and incredibly flavorful. The roasting method is so simple you really can't mess it up, and the garlic becomes sweet and mellow when baked alongside the fish. If you've never cooked sardines at home before, this is the perfect way to start. The combination of lemon, herbs, and olive oil creates something truly special that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
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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