Pan-Fried Sardines with Lemon

Total time20 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time10 min

4.6

(13)

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Ingredients

4 servings

12–14 fresh whole sardines (about 1 ½ lb), cleaned and scaled
½ tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)

For serving

1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped, for serving

Instructions

1
Pat the sardines thoroughly dry with paper towels on both sides. Season all over with the salt and black pepper.
2
Heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sardines in a single layer without crowding — work in two batches if needed. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, until the skin is golden and the fish releases easily from the pan.

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