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    Home » Recipes » Main dishes

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    Easy to Make Fried Sardines

    Jump to Recipe

    With the rising cost of groceries and a baby on the way, I knew now was the time to start making more budget friendly meals at home. The first in this series is going to be this easy and flavorful fried sardines recipe. Canned sardines never tasted so good!

    Two plates of sardines over greens.

    Not only are canned sardines budget friendly, they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (great for fetal brain development in women who are pregnant), rich in protein, calcium, minerals, vitamins, and more!

    My creamy Tuscan pasta is another popular dish featuring canned sardines that may interest you as well.

    Ingredients for fried sardines

    Below, I've included a list of the ingredients that you'll need to make this dish!

    Ingredient needed to make fried sardines.
    • Canned sardines
    • Whole wheat flour
    • Water
    • Garlic powder
    • Red chili flakes
    • Oregano
    • Salt
    • Egg

    See recipe card for quantities.

    How to fry canned sardines

    I've included some process shots below to act as a visual guide.

    A white speckled bowl with spices and whole wheat flour.

    Combine ¼ cup of whole wheat flour with all spices into a shallow bowl.

    Wet batter mixture.

    In another bowl, whisk together egg, water and ¼ cup whole wheat flour.

    Dredging sardines in batter and flour mixture.

    Carefully dip one sardine at a time into wet mixture. Use a fork to assist with this. Remove sardine from wet mixture and add to bowl of flour and spices. Coat each side with flour.

    Instructions continued

    Place a large pan on your stovetop and set to low heat. Once pan is hot, pour in olive oil from both cans of sardines. Let oil heat up. Once oil starts to simmer, carefully add in your battered sardines. Flip over after 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove sardines from oil and place on a dish lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

    Hint: make sure that oil in your pan is hot enough before adding in the sardines. This will help keep the battered sardines from getting soggy.

    What to serve with fried sardines

    I opted to serve these over a simple bed of greens. I used an arugula and spinach mix. I topped the greens with fresh parmesan, cracked pepper and caesar dressing. I essentially made a caesar salad minus the croutons. Sardines are very versatile! Here are a few other suggestions:

    • Serve over pasta
    • Toast with tomato
    • Make into fish tacos
    • Sardine sandwich
    • and more!

    Substitutions

    • Red chili flakes - omit these from the recipe if you know you're going to be serving this dish to those who may be intolerant to spicy foods
    • Vegetables - enjoy with your favorite veggies instead of a salad

    Equipment

    No equipment needed other than a large pan and stovetop.

    Storage

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Top tip

    Remember to turn on your vents and keep your kitchen windows open while cooking. If not, the sardine scent will tend to linger in the home for the rest of the day.

    FAQ

    Are canned sardines healthy?

    Yes. Sardines host a variety of health benefits including but not limited to, being rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are essential healthy fats that help prevent heart disease and improve cardiovascular health. They are also a great source of protein!

    Fried sardines served over a bed of greens.

    Easy Fried Sardines

    Learn how to make a delicious, protein rich and budget friendly meal with fried sardines.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cans sardines
    • 1 egg
    • ¼ cup water
    • ½ cup whole wheat flour, divided
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ tsp red chili flakes
    • ¼ tsp oregano
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Combine ¼ cup of whole wheat flour with all spices into a shallow bowl. Set aside. In another bowl, whisk together egg, water and ¼ cup whole wheat flour.
    • Place a large pan on your stovetop and set to low heat. Once pan is hot, pour in olive oil from both cans of sardines. Let oil heat up.
    • Carefully dip one sardine at a time into wet mixture. Use a fork to assist with this. Once oil starts to simmer, carefully add in your battered sardines. Flip over after 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove sardines from oil and place on a dish lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Serve over a salad or with your favorite veggies.
    Keyword dinner recipes, fried sardines, salad, sardine salad, sardines, seafood

    More Main dishes

    • The Best Creamy Tuscan Pasta

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