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Crispy Fried Sardines with Lemon and Herbs Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

This Fried Sardines recipe features fresh sardines marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, then breaded and pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection. Perfect as a tasty appetizer or main dish, these sardines are quick to prepare and deliver a crunchy exterior with flavorful, tender fish inside.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1 pound (450 grams) cleaned sardines (See Note 1 and 2)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Pinch of salt (plus extra for serving)
  • ½ cup (120ml) olive oil

Breading

  • 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil (for frying, See Note 3)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the sardines: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, dried oregano, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add the cleaned sardines to the marinade and turn gently to coat them on both sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Prepare for breading: Remove sardines one by one from the marinade, allowing the herbs and garlic to remain on them for extra flavor. Set up your breading stations by placing the flour, beaten eggs (with a pinch of salt), and breadcrumbs each in separate shallow bowls or plates.
  3. Bread the sardines: Dredge each marinated sardine first in the all-purpose flour, then dip it into the beaten egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the breaded sardines on a plate and refrigerate until ready to fry.
  4. Heat the oil: Pour about ½ inch (12 mm) of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). To test the temperature, drop a small cube of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready. Avoid overheating the oil to prevent smoking.
  5. Fry the sardines: Working in batches, carefully place the breaded sardines into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the sardines gently to avoid breaking. Once fried, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  6. Serve immediately: Serve the fried sardines hot with lemon wedges or alongside a fresh Italian salsa verde for a delicious accompaniment. Sprinkle with extra salt to taste if desired.

Notes

  • Note 1: Ensure sardines are cleaned properly by removing heads, guts, and scales for the best taste and texture.
  • Note 2: If fresh sardines are unavailable, frozen sardines that have been properly thawed can be used.
  • Note 3: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable oil, to achieve the perfect crispiness without overpowering flavors.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Seafood
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/crispy-fried-sardines-with-lemon-and-herbs-recipe/