Sardinhas Assadas​​​

Sardinhas Assadas​​​

Sardinhas Assadas is a traditional Portuguese dish of grilled or roasted sardines, often enjoyed during summer festivals and barbecues. The sardines are typically seasoned simply to highlight their natural flavor. Here’s a straightforward recipe for making delicious Sardinhas Assadas:

Ingredients:

  • 12-16 fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sardines:

  • Clean the Sardines: Rinse the sardines under cold water. If not already done, remove the heads and guts. You can also remove the scales if desired.
  • Pat Dry: Pat the sardines dry with paper towels.

2. Season the Sardines:

  • Marinate: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. If using paprika or red pepper flakes, add them to the mixture.
  • Coat the Sardines: Rub the garlic mixture all over the sardines, making sure they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for about 15-30 minutes.

3. Grill or Roast:

  • Preheat Grill or Oven:
    • Grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
    • Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • Grill Sardines: If using a grill, place the sardines on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and has grill marks.
  • Roast Sardines: If using an oven, place the sardines on the prepared baking sheet and roast for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and slightly crispy.

4. Serve:

  • Garnish: Transfer the sardines to a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
  • Lemon: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the sardines.

Tips:

  • Freshness: Use the freshest sardines you can find for the best flavor.
  • Grill Pan: If grilling, you can use a grill basket to prevent the small sardines from falling through the grates.
  • Sides: Sardinhas Assadas are often enjoyed with simple sides like roasted potatoes, salad, or a fresh tomato salad.

Enjoy your flavorful and traditional Sardinhas Assadas!