Transform simple seafood into a show-stopping appetizer or main dish with this recipe for Crispy Fried Sardines! Fresh sardines are seasoned with a zesty mix of paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice before being dredged in a crisp coating of all-purpose flour and cornmeal. Fried to golden perfection, these sardines deliver an irresistible crunch while staying tender and flavorful inside. Perfectly paired with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley, this dish is an easy yet elegant way to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe that seafood lovers will adore. Whether served as a snack, starter, or alongside a fresh salad, these crispy fried sardines are a versatile delight!
Scan with your phone to download!
Rinse the sardines under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. If not done already, clean the sardines by removing the heads and entrails. It's optional to remove the bones depending on preference.
In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and olive oil, and drizzle over the sardines. Toss to coat evenly.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F), or until a small piece of bread browns in about 30 seconds.
Dredge each sardine in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Carefully add the sardines to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the sardines from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve the fried sardines hot, garnished with chopped parsley, alongside lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Serving size | (1318.2g) |
---|
Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|
Calories | 5549.5 |
Total Fat 516.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 73.4g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 285.4g | |
Cholesterol 710mg | 0% |
Sodium 4442.2mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 129.1g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 10.2g | 0% |
Total Sugars 4.2g | |
Protein 137.8g | 0% |
Vitamin D 2400IU | 0% |
Calcium 1980.9mg | 0% |
Iron 21.8mg | 0% |
Potassium 2424.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories