Skip to content
Forkin
Main CourseDinnerLunch

Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines)

Sardinhas Assadas are a classic Portuguese dish, featuring fresh sardines grilled to perfection and simply seasoned. This recipe highlights the natural flavor of the fish, making for a light yet satisfying meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
25 min
Serves
2
Difficulty
Easy
Download the app
Gluten-free

Allergen information: may contain fish. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines)

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 6 pcsfresh sardine, whole, cleaned
  • 2 tbspcoarse sea salt
  • 2 tbspolive oil

for serving

  • 0.5 pcslemon, cut into wedges

Equipment

grill · fish spatula · tongs · serving platter

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Rinse the fresh sardines under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Ensuring the sardines are very dry helps them crisp up nicely on the grill.

  2. 2

    Season the sardines generously on all sides with the coarse sea salt.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Don't be shy with the salt; it helps draw out moisture and flavor the fish.

  3. 3

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

    About 8 min

    Cook’s note: A hot grill prevents sticking and creates a good sear.

  4. 4

    Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking.

  5. 5

    Place the seasoned sardines directly on the hot grill.

  6. 6

    Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the skin is crispy and slightly charred, and the flesh is cooked through.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the sardines and your grill's heat. The fish should easily flake when done.

  7. 7

    Carefully remove the grilled sardines from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Use a fish spatula to avoid breaking the delicate fish.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

    Cook’s note: These are traditionally eaten with boiled potatoes or a simple salad.

Keep it good

Storage

Store any leftover grilled sardines in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in an oven or on a pan to avoid drying out, though they are best eaten fresh.

More recipes

All recipes
  • Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken (Da Pan Ji)main course

    Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken (Da Pan Ji)

    This hearty Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken features tender chicken pieces simmered with potatoes, bell peppers, and aromatics in a savory and spicy sauce. It's traditionally served over wide, hand-pulled noodles, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

    1 hr 10 min 1,016 kcal
  • Steamed Coconut Jaggery Modakdessert

    Steamed Coconut Jaggery Modak

    These sweet dumplings feature a delightful filling of fresh coconut and jaggery, encased in a soft, steamed rice flour shell. A traditional Indian sweet, perfect for festivals or a special treat. The combination of textures and flavors is truly satisfying.

    50 min 432 kcal
  • Loukanikoappetizer

    Loukaniko

    Loukaniko is a traditional Greek sausage, often flavored with orange peel, fennel seed, and various herbs. This recipe pan-fries the sausage until nicely browned and cooked through. Serve it as a flavorful appetizer or part of a meze spread.

    25 min
  • Yudofumain course

    Yudofu

    Yudofu is a simple, comforting Japanese hot pot dish featuring gently simmered tofu. It's a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe highlights the delicate flavor and texture of fresh tofu.

    30 min 182 kcal
  • Karkówka (Polish Pork Neck)main course

    Karkówka (Polish Pork Neck)

    This traditional Polish pork neck dish features tender, succulent slices of pork, slow-cooked in a rich and savory onion gravy. It's a comforting main course, perfect for a hearty family meal, often served with potatoes or buckwheat groats.

    1 hr 50 min 520 kcal
  • Dal Baati Churmamain course

    Dal Baati Churma

    This traditional Rajasthani thali features hearty baked wheat balls (baati), a spiced lentil stew (dal), and a sweet, crumbly dessert (churma). It's a wholesome and flavorful meal, perfect for a cozy dinner.

    2 hr 30 min 1,123 kcal
  • Eisbein (Braised Pork Hock)main course

    Eisbein (Braised Pork Hock)

    This recipe features tender, flavorful pork hock braised slowly until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. The meat is infused with aromatic vegetables and spices, creating a comforting and hearty German main course. Serve with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes for a complete traditional meal.

    3 hr 20 min