Broiled Deboned Sardines
Ingredients
- 2 pounds whole sardines, fresh
- 2 medium lemons, cut in wedges
- 1 handful flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumb
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Fillet the sardines by cutting off the head and gutting them. Then lay the sardines cavity side down and gently thump along the backbone with a wooden spoon. If it is resistant, then use a knife. Turn them over and the whole backbone and ribcage should pull out leaving a perfect double fillet. Clean under cold running water, rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- Wash the parsley and chop finely. Peel the garlic cloves and chop finely. Mix the parsley and garlic with the breadcrumbs. Coat the sardine fillets first in olive oil, then in seasoned breadcrumb.
- Arrange the sardines side by side, skin side up, not overlapping, on a lightly greased baking sheet or large baking dish. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400ºF for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Wash the lemons and cut one into 8 wedges. Squeeze the other lemon and sprinkle the juice over the sardines. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Cooking Tips for Broiled Deboned Sardines
- Use Fresh Sardines: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh sardines. Frozen ones may have a different texture and flavor, so try to find the freshest catch available.
- Debone Carefully: When deboning the sardines, ensure that you remove the entire backbone and ribcage. A gentle tap with a wooden spoon or knife should make this easier.
- Breadcrumb Coating: For extra flavor and crunch, use freshly made breadcrumbs, and feel free to add other herbs or spices like oregano or paprika to the mixture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When arranging the sardines on the baking sheet, make sure they’re spaced out and not overlapping. This ensures they broil evenly and get crispy.
- Watch the Broil: Sardines cook quickly, so keep an eye on them while broiling. Overcooking them can cause them to dry out, so 10 minutes should be enough for golden-brown perfection.
- Serve with Fresh Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving will brighten up the dish and bring out the flavors of the sardines.
Explore More Delicious Hors d’Oeuvres Recipes!
Are you ready to take your culinary skills to the next level? Discover a wide range of delectable hors d’oeuvres recipes in our Hors d’Oeuvres Mastery and Canapés Online Course that will impress your guests at any gathering!
Mastering hors d’oeuvres allows you to create bite-sized delights that combine flavors and textures in creative ways. From elegant canapés to savory bites, you’ll learn how to prepare stunning appetizers that balance taste and presentation. Explore various techniques and ingredients, and unleash your creativity in the kitchen!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your culinary repertoire. Plus, be sure to check out our YouTube channel for expert cooking tips, tutorials, and even more inspiration to refine your skills!