Description
Golden, crispy fried sardines, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and served with a zesty herb dipping sauce—the perfect appetizer or snack for seafood lovers!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Sardines:
- 12 fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or cornmeal
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Herb Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
-
Make the Herb Dipping Sauce:
- In a food processor, blend all sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
-
Prepare the Oil:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
-
Set Up the Breading Station:
- Place flour in one bowl.
- Beat eggs in another bowl.
- Mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.
-
Coat the Sardines:
- Dredge each sardine in flour, then dip into egg, and finally press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
-
Fry Until Crispy:
- Fry sardines in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot with the herb dipping sauce and lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pairs perfectly with a crisp salad, roasted potatoes, or warm pita bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Coastal
