Grilled Sardines with Mediterranean Flavors

Ingredients

• 8 fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted 8 fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 1g, 0g
• Protein: 23g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme leaves.
3. 3.
   Season the sardines with salt and pepper, then brush them generously with the marinade.
4. 4.
   Place the sardines on the preheated grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
5. 5.
   Remove the sardines from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. 6.
   Serve the grilled sardines hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sardines — Make sure to choose fresh sardines that have been properly cleaned and gutted. Look for sardines with clear eyes and shiny skin. If fresh sardines are not available, you can use frozen sardines, but make sure to thaw them completely before grilling.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the sardines from sticking to the grill, make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of minced garlic in the marinade.
• Serve the grilled sardines with a side of fresh salad and crusty bread to complete the meal.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the sardines in a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade to customize the flavors to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Sardines with Mediterranean Flavors as a main course, accompanied by a side of fresh salad and crusty bread. Drizzle some extra olive oil and lemon juice over the sardines for added flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a vibrant presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled sardines on a platter, placing them side by side. Sprinkle some fresh herbs over the top for a pop of color. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to add a citrusy touch. The charred grill marks on the sardines will add visual appeal to the dish.