Roasted Sardines with Pak Choi
Prep
15 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Crispy pan-roasted sardines with tender pak choi, finished with garlic, ginger, and a bright citrus glaze for a light yet satisfying seafood dish.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 12fresh sardines(cleaned and gutted)
- 4pak choi(halved lengthwise)
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tablespoonfresh ginger(grated)
- 1lemon(zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoonslow-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoonhoney
- ¼ teaspoonred chilli flakes
- 1 teaspoonsesame oil
- ½ teaspoonsea salt
- ¼ teaspoonblack pepper
- 1 tablespoonsesame seeds(for garnish)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Pat the sardines dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with sea salt and black pepper. Set aside on a plate.
Tip: Drying the sardines ensures they will crisp up nicely when roasted.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red chilli flakes to create the glaze.
Tip: Prepare the glaze while the oven preheats so everything comes together quickly.
- 3
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Tip: Using an oven-safe skillet eliminates the need for transferring the fish.
- 4
Once the oil is shimmering, carefully arrange the sardines skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes until the skin crisps. Do not move them during this time.
Tip: Resisting the urge to move the fish allows the skin to develop a golden crust.
- 5
While the sardines sear, toss the pak choi halves with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- 6
Flip the sardines gently and pour the glaze over them. Arrange the pak choi around the sardines in the skillet.
Tip: The glaze will continue to cook and caramelize in the oven.
- 7
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 8-10 minutes until the pak choi is tender and the sardine flesh is cooked through.
Tip: The fish should flake easily when tested with a fork.
- 8
Remove from the oven and scatter sesame seeds over the sardines and pak choi. Serve immediately while hot, spooning any pan juices over the top.
Tip: Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious glaze.
Recipe Variations
Get AI-powered ingredient substitution suggestions.
You Might Also Like
Chinese Egg Salad
Here's a recipe I've been making all summer that my friends absolutely love. This Chinese egg salad comes together in under an hour and costs practically nothing to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this dish is how refreshing and light it feels, especially on warm days. Eggs are packed with choline, which supports brain health, and when you combine them with all these crisp vegetables and that tangy sesame oil dressing, you get something that's both satisfying and incredibly good for you. It's perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, or even a quick dinner when you don't feel like cooking anything complicated.
Chinese Black Bean Salad
This Chinese black bean salad is one of my go to weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and tastes absolutely delicious. Black beans are packed with fiber and protein, making them incredibly filling and nutritious, so you get a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. The beauty of this recipe is how simple it really is, just fresh vegetables tossed with a punchy ginger garlic dressing that brings everything to life. I love serving it cold or at room temperature, which means you can prep it ahead and grab it whenever you need a quick, wholesome lunch or side dish.
Chinese Quinoa Salad
This Chinese Quinoa Salad has become my go to weeknight dinner because it comes together in under an hour and tastes absolutely restaurant quality. The best part? Quinoa is packed with complete protein, so you're getting all nine essential amino acids in every bite, making this a genuinely satisfying meal that keeps you full. I love how simple it is to assemble once the quinoa cooks, and you can prep all the vegetables while it simmers away. The sesame oil and ginger dressing gives it such an authentic flavor that your friends will be amazed you made it at home, but honestly, it's easier than ordering takeout.
Reviews
Sign in to write a review.