Sardines are a beloved staple in Mediterranean cuisine, often enjoyed fried as street food, in bustling markets, or as a flavorful tapas dish in cozy seaside restaurants.
Their rich flavor and crispy texture make them an irresistible treat. But what if fresh sardines aren’t readily available where you live?
The good news is, you can still enjoy this classic dish using high-quality canned sardines. Portuguese producer Conservas Santos offers some of the finest canned sardines, making this recipe accessible to anyone craving an authentic Mediterranean experience.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a plate of crispy, golden-fried sardines in under 15 minutes. You can use sardines canned in pure or spicy olive oil.
Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a tapas spread, this dish pairs wonderfully with a squeeze of lemon and a side of crusty bread, but you can serve it with a simple salad or fresh potato chips.
Ready to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
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2 cans of Sardines in Olive Oil by Campos Santos
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2 eggs
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½ cup flour
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1 tbsp fresh or dried parsley, chopped
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup of olive oil
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Lemon wedges, for serving and brava sauce
Instructions:
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Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
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Drain the canned sardines into a fine sieve over a bowl, then gently shake off excess oil without breaking them apart. (Do not tos the oil, you can use it later for a salad, a pasta dish, season your toast with it or use it in scrambled eggs.)
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Place the flour on a plate. In a bowl, crack the eggs, add the chopped or dried parsley, and season with salt and black pepper. Whisk well together. Lightly coat each sardine in flour, then dip into the egg wash.
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Carefully place the sardines in the hot frying pan in a single layer. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
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Nicely arrange the sardines on a plate garnished with lemon wedges and serve with garlic mayonnaise, aioli or salsa brava.
Enjoy!
