Whole30 Grilled Sardines with Garlic Lemon Marinade
Elevate your seafood game with Whole30 Grilled Sardines with Garlic Lemon Marinade—a vibrant and healthy dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Fresh sardines are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh parsley, thyme, and a hint of sea salt and black pepper, infusing them with bold, aromatic goodness. Perfectly grilled to achieve crispy, golden skin and tender, flaky flesh, these sardines are a quick yet impressive addition to any Whole30 meal plan. With minimal prep, a fast cook time, and a stunning presentation, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or alfresco gatherings. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus and a wholesome, paleo-approved dining experience!
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Ingredients
- 8 pieces fresh sardines
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, leaves stripped
Directions
Step 1
Begin by cleaning the sardines: Rinse them under cold water, remove scales, guts, and heads if necessary, then pat them dry using paper towels.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme to create the marinade.
Step 3
Place the cleaned sardines in a shallow dish and pour the garlic lemon marinade over them, ensuring each sardine is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
Step 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are covered with white ash. Lightly oil the grill grates with a brush or a towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5
Remove the sardines from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Carefully place the sardines on the grill.
Step 6
Grill the sardines for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the skin is crispy and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7
Once done, remove from the grill and arrange the sardines on a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Step 8
Serve immediately with wedges of lemon on the side for added zest.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (791.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1946.3 |
| Total Fat 134.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 19.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g | |
| Cholesterol 965.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5148.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 7.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 1.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.9g | |
| Protein 168.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3264IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2643.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 21.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2858.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories