Perfect Baked Sardines in 25 minutes

Hello friends from Paulina Cocina! On this occasion we propose a easy, tasty and nutritious recipe: baked sardines. It is a very simple preparation, but one that we sometimes avoid doing because it fills the house with a smell.

Today’s proposal is to review all the tips to avoid that problem and enjoy doing home-roasted sardines.

We are also going to see the tricks so that your oven roasted sardines They are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside and free of intense aromas. Furthermore, in the end they will have a recipe with fresh sardines to make at home and enjoy like in the best beach bar.

About baked sardines

Las baked sardines They are a recipe that mixes tradition with innovation. Of humble origins, this fish has been a staple on the Spanish coast for centuries. There is no one who can resist a good oven roasted sardineswith its golden, crispy skin that melts in your mouth.

But why do baked sardines are they so popular? On the one hand, they are easy to prepare. Unlike other fish that require a more complex technique, sardines are ideal for those who want a fast, tasty and nutritious food.

And on the other hand, the sardine is a blue fish, very popular for being a heart healthy option.

The tradition of eating baked sardines

Las baked sardines They are a classic on the Spanish coasts, especially in regions such as Galicia, Andalusia and the Valencian Community. In these places, it is common to enjoy this dish on the beaches, where the aroma of the roasted sardines It comes from the beach bars.

• In AndalusiaFor example, the oven roasted sardines They are frequently served on espetos, especially on the Costa del Sol, where they are prepared over open-air embers.
• In Galicia, it’s traditional accompany them with a good corn bread, also known as cornbread and a glass of white wine.
• In the Valencian Community, Sardines are enjoyed on different occasions and are usually served along with a salad roasted peppers.

7 Reasons to enjoy oven-roasted sardines

1. intense flavor: Fresh sardines have a distinct flavor that differentiates them from other fish. When roasted, this flavor is enhanced, creating an explosion of the sea in every bite.
2. Crispy texture: The skin of the baked sardines It becomes crispy, contrasting perfectly with the softness of the meat inside.
3. Easy to prepare: With few ingredients and less than half an hour, it is possible to have a delicious dish on the table.
4. Light: Although they are rich in healthy fatty acids, baked sardines are a light dish and perfect for a light and healthy food.
5. Source of omega-3: These fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of the heart and brain.
6. Versatility: Baked sardines can be accompanied with almost any garnish, from crispy baked potatoes (potatoes) to delicious salads, making them ideal for any meal.
7. Accessible: Unlike other fish, fresh sardines are cheap and they are available in any local market, making them a perfect option for any budget.

Tricks to prepare baked sardines without smell

Now, let’s talk about what we’re all worried about: smell. If you have ever cooked roasted sardines At home, they know that the aroma can linger much longer than we would like. However, prepare baked sardines without smell is it possible with some tricks.

• Clean fresh sardines well before cooking. Remove the viscera and rinse them with cold water. This will eliminate some of the smell that comes from baking. You can also ask the trusted fishmonger to do itto save us that task.
• Place the baked sardines on a bed of lemon slices and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. These ingredients act as odor neutralizers, absorbing part of the aroma that the sardines give off when they are cooked.
• Another trick is wrap the sardines in aluminum foil before putting them in the oven. This not only helps keep the odor under control, but also locks in moisture, making the sardines juicier.

5 Key Tips for Preparing Baked Sardines

1. Oven temperature: The ideal is to preheat the oven at 200°C. This temperature is perfect for grilled sardines to cook quickly without drying out.
2. Cooking time: Baked sardines cook very quickly. Depending on the size, They can be ready in just 10-12 minutess. If you leave them for longer they may become dry.
3. Ventilation: Even though precautions have been taken to avoid odor, it is important to ventilate the kitchen well. Opening windows or using an extractor will help remove any traces that may remain.
4. Immediate cleaning: Once you have finished cook sardines in the ovenclean the oven tray and utensils that have been used as soon as possible. This will prevent them from giving off more odor.
5. Vinegar and baking soda: If there is still a trace of intense aroma, spray the kitchen with a mixture of white vinegar, baking soda and water. These natural ingredients help neutralize odors.

The best accompaniments for roasted sardines

• Bread with tomato: This classic of Mediterranean cuisine is perfect to accompany baked sardines. The Pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) and a splash of extra virgin olive oil is simply irresistible.
• Salads: Some easy salads with lettuce, croutons and other tasty ingredients can be the perfect accompaniment to some baked sardines, providing freshness and balance to the dish.
• White rice: For a more consistent garnish, white rice is an excellent option. It absorbs the juices from the baked sardines and becomes a delicious accompaniment.
• Homemade aioli: A spoonful of all i oli can elevate the flavor of the oven roasted sardines to another level. Its creaminess and garlic flavor are a delicious complement.
• Cold beer or white wine: And of course, the drink. A cold beer or a glass of white wine is the perfect pairing for this dish.

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Baked sardines recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 fresh and clean sardines
• 2 lemons
• 3 cloves of garlic
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• fresh thyme sprigs
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

How to make baked sardines step by step

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Peel and chop the garlic cloves into slices. Cut the lemons into thin slices.
2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with the chopped rosemary and thyme (reserve a few sprigs), the garlic slices, salt and pepper to taste.
3. Lightly grease a baking tray with oil, then place an even layer of lemon slices on the tray, and on this base arrange the sardines lined up side by side.
4. With a spoon, pour the dressing over the sardines until they are well coated. Place some lemon slices and a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme on top of the sardines to add more aroma.
5. Cover the tray with aluminum foil, making sure it does not touch the sardines. This will help the sardines retain their juice, cook evenly, and not give off as much odor.
6. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the sardines. They will be ready when the meat falls easily from the bone and the skin begins to brown. To achieve a crispier skin, remove the aluminum foil in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking and let the sardines brown slightly.
7. Once ready, remove the sardines from the oven and serve immediately. They can be presented with roasted lemon slices and an additional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.