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Grilled Sardines with Lemon and Herbs

Big, bright flavors and beautifully charred fish come together in a dish that feels both simple and special. With a handful of fresh ingredients and a straightforward grilling method, these sardines are surprisingly approachable for home cooks.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 356
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium cloves garlic finely minced, about 1 tablespoon
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice from about 2 whole lemons
  • 1 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound fresh sardines cleaned, scaled, and gutted
  • fine sea salt or Kosher salt for seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked Spanish paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Arrange the sardines in a single layer in a shallow baking dish and pour the marinade over the fish.
  3. Turn the sardines to coat evenly and spoon some marinade into the cavity of each fish.
  4. Marinate the sardines for 30 minutes.
  5. Prepare and preheat the grill according to the charcoal or gas grill directions and clean and oil the grate.
  6. Remove the sardines from the marinade and grill over direct heat until well-charred, 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Flip the sardines using a metal spatula or fish turner and grill until charred on the second side and cooked through, about 2 minutes longer.
  8. Transfer the sardines to a large platter and season with salt.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Store leftover cooked sardines in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Serve with simple sides such as steamed rice, a green salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.