Roasted Sardines with Rocket
Prep
15 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Roasted Sardines with Rocket is a simple dish combining fresh sardines with peppery rocket, cherry tomatoes and red onion, brought together with garlic, lemon and extra virgin olive oil. Ready in just 35 minutes from start to table, with only 15 minutes of preparation needed, this straightforward recipe suits anyone looking for a quick and flavourful meal.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 12fresh sardines(gutted and cleaned)
- 150 gfresh rocket(packed)
- 6 tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 2lemon(juiced and zested)
- 3garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tspsea salt
- ½ tspblack pepper
- ¼ tspred chilli flakes
- 200 gcherry tomatoes(halved)
- ½red onion(thinly sliced)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat the cleaned sardines dry with paper towels and arrange them on a lined baking tray in a single layer.
Tip: Drying the sardines helps them roast evenly and develop a crispy skin.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of olive oil with minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red chilli flakes. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- 3
Brush the garlic-oil mixture generously over both sides of each sardine, ensuring even coverage.
Tip: Save a little of the mixture for drizzling over the finished dish.
- 4
Roast the sardines in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the skin is crispy and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
Tip: Don't overcrowd the tray; if needed, use two trays to ensure even roasting.
- 5
While the sardines roast, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with fresh lemon juice in a large bowl.
- 6
Add the fresh rocket, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion to the lemon dressing. Toss gently until all vegetables are well coated.
Tip: Don't dress the rocket too far in advance or it will become wilted.
- 7
Divide the dressed rocket salad among four serving plates or a large platter.
- 8
Arrange 3 roasted sardines on top of each rocket salad portion. Drizzle any remaining garlic oil over the sardines and serve immediately while still warm.
Tip: Serve with crusty bread to catch all the delicious oil and juices.
Recipe Variations
Get AI-powered ingredient substitution suggestions.
You Might Also Like
Tropical Quinoa
This tropical quinoa bowl has become my go to weeknight dinner because it comes together in just forty minutes and tastes like a mini vacation on a plate. Quinoa is one of my favorite ingredients since it's a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, making it so satisfying and perfect for keeping energy levels steady. The combination of papaya, red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro brings vibrant flavors and colors, while the rice wine vinegar and orange zest add just the right brightness. Best part is the ingredient list is simple and affordable, yet feels fancy enough to impress anyone at your table.
Beergarita
My go to drink for summer gatherings is this refreshing Beergarita, and let me tell you, it's a total crowd pleaser. The combination of tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and a cold Corona creates something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is. Lime juice is packed with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system, and the whole thing takes just five minutes to throw together. Best part? It's incredibly budget friendly since you're probably already stocking most of these ingredients anyway.
Crispy seabass with preserved lemon yogurt
This is one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners because it comes together in just ten minutes flat. Crispy seabass with preserved lemon yogurt is that perfect balance of impressive and effortless, with tangy Greek yogurt and zingy preserved lemon creating a sauce that feels restaurant quality but tastes like home. The seabass gets beautifully golden and flaky while the freekeh provides substantial whole grains packed with fiber and protein. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel like you're treating yourself without any fuss.
Reviews
Sign in to write a review.