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Grilled Portuguese Sardines

Portuguese · Dinner · Easy

Grilled Portuguese Sardines

Total
2 hr 25 min
Prep
2 hr 15 min
Serves
4
Calories
315
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Whole sardines marinate with garlic, paprika and rosemary, then grill until the skins char lightly and the rich flesh flakes from the bones.

A short marinade seasons Grilled Portuguese Sardines without overwhelming their rich flavor. Hot grates give the skin a quick char while the flesh stays moist beneath it.

Choose medium sardines of similar size and have them cleaned at the fish counter. Leave them undisturbed until the skin releases from the grill; moving them too soon tears the delicate surface.

SmokyGarlickyGrillSummerPescatarianGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freeEgg-freeLow-carbHigh-protein

Method

  1. Mix olive oil, garlic, paprika, juice from half the lemon, rosemary, red chile, salt and black pepper in a shallow dish. Coat the sardines, cover and refrigerate for .

  2. Heat a clean grill to medium-high. Lift the sardines from the marinade and let excess drip away. Grill for per side until lightly charred and the thickest flesh reaches 145°F and flakes easily.

  3. Transfer carefully to a platter and serve with the remaining lemon wedges, lifting the flesh away from the backbones as you eat.

Forkue tips

  • A fish basket makes turning small whole sardines easier and helps prevent broken skin.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or flake the cold flesh from the bones for a salad; reheating will soften the grilled skin.

Kitchen gear

GrillTop picks on AmazonFish basketTop picks on Amazon
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Nutrition per serving, estimated

315Calories
30gProtein
3gCarbs
20gFat

Grilled Portuguese Sardines: FAQ

Can I cook these on a grill pan?

Yes. Heat it well and cook in batches without crowding, adding extra cooking time for each batch.

Do I have to leave the heads on?

No. Ask for them removed if you prefer; keep the fish whole through the body so they remain easy to turn.

How do I store and reheat Grilled Portuguese Sardines?

Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or flake the cold flesh from the bones for a salad; reheating will soften the grilled skin.

How long does Grilled Portuguese Sardines take?

About 2 hr 25 min in total: 2 hr 15 min prep and 10 min cooking.

What do I need to make Grilled Portuguese Sardines?

The key ingredients are sardines, garlic, paprika, lemon, rosemary and red chile, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Grilled Portuguese Sardines?

A fish basket makes turning small whole sardines easier and helps prevent broken skin.

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