Grilled Mediterranean Sardines with Lemon & Herbs
Fresh sardines grilled until crispy and tender, finished with bright lemon and fragrant herbs. A simple, healthy Mediterranean classic ready in 20 minutes.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 310
- Protein
- 38g
Ingredients
- 8 whole fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 clove garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 whole lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Pat the cleaned sardines dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp during grilling. Place them on a large plate and set aside while you prepare the marinade.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper until combined. The mixture should smell fragrant and herbaceous.
- 3
Brush the marinade generously inside and outside each sardine, coating them evenly on both sides. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature so the flavors infuse.
- 4
Preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat (around 450°F) for 5 minutes until it's smoking slightly. Lightly oil the grates with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil using a paper towel to prevent sticking.
- 5
Place the sardines directly on the hot grill grates perpendicular to the bars to prevent them from falling through. Grill for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them until you see golden-brown char marks and the flesh releases easily.
- 6
Carefully flip each sardine using a fish spatula and grill for another 2-3 minutes on the second side until the skin is crispy and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- 7
Transfer the grilled sardines to a serving platter and serve immediately while still warm and crispy. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and an extra drizzle of olive oil for finishing.
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