Entree: Portugal – Portuguese Seafood Coast – Sardinhas Assadas (Whole grilled sardines simply seasoned with coarse salt and olive oil, charred until skin is crisp and served with lemon)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 15 min

Additional 15 min

Total 45 min

Ingredients

- 8 whole sardines, approx. 4 oz (115 g) each, cleaned and gutted
- 2 tsp (10 g) coarse sea salt, or to taste
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for grates
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 0.2 oz / 6 g per clove)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 lb (700 g) small new potatoes for serving (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil for potatoes

Instructions

1. Prepare sardines: Rinse and pat the sardines dry. Lightly score the skin on each side if desired. Season generously inside and out with coarse sea salt and let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavor.
2. Preheat grill: Heat a charcoal grill or gas grill to high heat (grates very hot). Oil the grates lightly with extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare potatoes (optional): If serving with potatoes, boil the new potatoes in salted water until tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil and a little chopped parsley; keep warm.
4. Grill sardines: Brush sardines with 3 tbsp olive oil and place directly on the hot grill. Grill 2–3 minutes per side, turning carefully once, until skin is blistered and charred and flesh is opaque and just cooked through.
5. Finish and serve: Transfer sardines to a platter, squeeze fresh lemon over them, sprinkle with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and the boiled potatoes or crusty bread.