Name: Mediterranean Garlic and Herb Crusted Roasted Sardines Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490153H8M33S
Total time: PT-490153H8M33S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh sardines, cleaned, rinsed and patted dry; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 teaspoons French mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus extra lemon for serving; 1 tablespoon dry oregano; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dry onion flakes; ¼ teaspoon salt; Freshly ground pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Introduction

This Mediterranean Garlic and Herb Crusted Roasted Sardines recipe brings a fresh and flavorful twist to a simple fish dish. Coated in a zesty blend of garlic, herbs, and spices, these sardines roast to perfection with a crisp exterior and tender inside. It’s an easy, vibrant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

A white rectangular dish holds a neat row of eight small grilled fish, each with crispy, browned skin showing silver and black tones. The fish are placed side by side with their tails overlapping slightly toward the front of the plate. They are garnished with small pieces of green herbs and bits of garlic scattered over and around them. The fish sit in a light yellow oil or sauce that coats the bottom of the dish. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound fresh sardines, cleaned, rinsed and patted dry
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons French mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus extra lemon for serving
1 tablespoon dry oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dry onion flakes
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C) with the fan on to ensure even roasting.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, French mustard, lemon juice, dry oregano, paprika, dry onion flakes, salt, freshly ground pepper, and olive oil. Mix well to create the herb crust mixture.
Step 3: Add the cleaned sardines to the bowl and gently toss them so each fish is evenly coated with the mixture.
Step 4: Lightly grease a roasting pan or baking dish with olive oil. Arrange the sardines in a single layer and drizzle any leftover dressing over the top.
Step 5: Roast the sardines in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes. If the sardines are larger, add a few extra minutes until cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Step 6: Remove the sardines from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh sardines for best flavor and texture, but if fresh is unavailable, high-quality frozen sardines work well when thawed properly.
Try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the herb mix for a spicy kick.
Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storage

Store any leftover roasted sardines in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or on the stovetop to maintain their crisp texture. Sardines are best enjoyed fresh but can be enjoyed cold in salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

A white rectangular dish holds two rows of grilled sardines arranged neatly. The top row has whole sardines with skin showing browned grilling marks, some tails slightly charred, and the flesh glistening with olive oil. The bottom row displays the sardines without tails, also grilled with brown, crispy skin and oil pooling slightly around them. Both rows are sprinkled with small bits of chopped green herbs and thin slices of garlic, adding color contrast to the silver of the fish and the light golden oil. The dish sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned sardines for this recipe?

Fresh sardines work best for roasting since they hold their texture and absorb the seasoning well. Canned sardines are already cooked and softer, so they’re not ideal for this preparation.

How do I know when the sardines are done?

The sardines are done when their flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The skin should be slightly crispy and golden, usually achieved within 15-17 minutes in a hot oven.