Preparation Time
45 minutes
Note
A classic that is easy, quick, and full of flavor with Spanish heritage. With a simple marinade of garlic, lemon, and parsley, and a crispy coating, these sardines are irresistible. They are perfect as a tapa, starter, or main dish, accompanied by a delicious sauce or a splash of fresh lemon.
Ingredients
- 1 kg of fresh sardines
- 1 package of flour for breading fish
- 100 ml of olive oil (plentiful for frying)
- 3 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 handful of chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Clean the sardines
- Remove heads, entrails, and scales.
- Open them in half without separating the fillets, remove the central spine and the side bones.
- You can keep the tail as long as it doesn’t come off.
- Wash them well in water, drain them, and dry them with paper towels.
2. Marinate
- Place the cleaned sardines on a plate.
- Add the crushed garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. To coat
- Coat the sardines in the flour for breading, making sure they are well covered.
4. Fry
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet.
- Fry the sardines over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes on each side, until they are golden and crispy.
- Drain them on paper towels.
If you prefer, you can also fry them directly without coating, just until they are golden brown.
Serve them with lemon, mayonnaise, or your favorite sauce.
Servings
4 people