Gluten-Free Crispy Fried Sardines

Dive into the irresistible crunch of these Gluten-Free Crispy Fried Sardines, a delightful twist on a classic seafood favorite! Perfectly coated in a flavorful blend of rice flour, cornmeal, smoked paprika, and a touch of zesty lemon, these sardines are fried to golden perfection, offering that satisfying crispiness without any gluten. The quick and easy egg wash ensures the coating adheres beautifully, while the hot skillet transforms the fresh sardines into crispy, savory bites in just minutes. Serve them alongside vibrant lemon wedges for a fresh zing that complements the smoky, spiced crust. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or light main dish, these gluten-free fried sardines are sure to impress seafood lovers and gluten-free eaters alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 pieces fresh sardines
• 1 cup rice flour
• 0.5 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 4 pieces lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the fresh sardines under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure they are clean and scaled.

Step 2

In a shallow dish, combine the rice flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Mix well to create a seasoned flour mixture.

Step 3

In a separate shallow bowl, beat the egg and add the milk, whisking together to form an egg wash.

Step 4

Dip each sardine into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Press lightly to ensure it sticks well, then place the coated sardine on a plate. Repeat with all the sardines.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dipping the edge of a sardine into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Step 6

Carefully place 4-5 sardines in the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry for approximately 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7

Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the sardines from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 8

Repeat the frying process with the remaining sardines.

Step 9

Serve the gluten-free crispy fried sardines immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1860.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6799.5

Total Fat 549.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 270.8g
Cholesterol 1670.6mg	0%
Sodium 6716.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 215.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.2g	0%
Total Sugars 3.1g
Protein 279.4g	0%

Vitamin D 4962.8IU	0%
Calcium 4010.0mg	0%
Iron 35.4mg	0%
Potassium 4554.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 71.4%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 12.5%