Roasted Sardines with Pak Choi
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 costs very little. Fresh sardines are incredibly nutritious, packed with omega 3 fatty acids that are wonderful for your heart and brain. Combined with tender pak choi and a simple ginger garlic sauce, this dish feels elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a busy Tuesday night. The beauty of roasting everything on one pan means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Give this a try and you'll understand why I keep coming back to it again and again.
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.
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