Description
Golden, crispy sardines coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, pan fried in olive oil and finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. This Italian-inspired dish delivers a perfect contrast of crunchy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound fresh sardines, cleaned and butterflied
- 1 cup fine breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil for frying
- 1 large lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm gently.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the olive oil into the skillet and heat until it shimmers lightly.
- Pat the sardines completely dry with paper towels, then press each sardine into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Arrange the coated sardines in a single layer in the hot oil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Pat the sardines dry to ensure a crispy crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, cook in batches if needed.
- Reheat leftovers in a 375 degree oven for about 8 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg