Sicilian-style Baked Sardines with Oregano and Bread Crumbs

Ingredients

• 8 sardine fillets, cleaned and deboned 8 sardine fillets, cleaned and deboned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Place the sardine fillets in the marinade and let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Remove the sardine fillets from the marinade and coat them evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. 6.
   Place the coated sardine fillets on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the sardines are cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
8. 8.
   Serve the Baked Sardines with Oregano and Bread Crumbs hot, garnished with fresh oregano leaves and lemon wedges.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sardine fillets — Make sure to choose fresh sardine fillets and remove any remaining bones before marinating them. This will ensure a pleasant eating experience.
• Dried oregano — If you prefer a stronger oregano flavor, you can crush the dried oregano between your palms before adding it to the breadcrumb mixture. This will release more of its aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve the Baked Sardines with Oregano and Bread Crumbs with a side of fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish before eating.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or basil to customize the flavor profile of the dish.
• If you don't have sardines, you can substitute them with other small fish like anchovies or smelt.

Serving advice

Serve the Baked Sardines with Oregano and Bread Crumbs as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty Italian bread. The sardines can be enjoyed on their own or wrapped in a warm tortilla with some tangy tartar sauce for a delicious seafood taco.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Baked Sardines with Oregano and Bread Crumbs on a platter, garnished with fresh oregano leaves and lemon wedges. The golden-brown crust of the sardines will be visually appealing, and the vibrant green oregano leaves will add a pop of color to the dish.