Fried sardines with garlic, chilli and fresh herbs

Irina Kemiti

This is a terrific summertime dish, redolent of Mediterranean holidays. Fresh, zingy and packed with flavour, it’s perfect for eating outdoors on a sunny terrace – or indoors if the weather has scuppered your plans for a seafood BBQ.
Serves 2-4

Ingredients

  •  8-10 fresh sardines, gutted and cleaned
  • 5-6 tbs plain flour
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tbsp oil, for frying
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • Chopped herbs, to garnish
  • Lemon wedges

Method

Either ask your fishmonger to clean and prepare your sardines, or do it yourself by cutting a slit down the gut to remove the innards. Do this under running water, scraping away any scales that you can feel as well. Dry with paper towels and set aside.

Season the flour with chilli powder, salt and pepper. Then dredge the sardines in the flour, shaking off any excess.

Pour the oil into a frying pan and bring to a medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and gently fry for about minute.

Now fry the sardines in the garlic-flavoured oil for fry for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Now fry the sardines in the garlic-flavoured oil for fry for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Related Seafood

Sardine