Cornish sardines are a small oily fish, with flesh that is super sweet and buttery. And because they’re small, they only take a few minutes to grill, BBQ or fry in a little butter.
For the simplest meal in the world, just serve them grilled with a hunk of fresh baguette to mop up the juices.
I popped a spring of rosemary in the cavity of each fish, sprinkled them with a little salt & pepper and grilled them for around 4 minutes each side. The rosemary wasn’t overwhelming at all, just adding a hint of flavour, and the fish was juicy and utterly delicious.
Simple Grilled Cornish Sardines
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Keyword: Cornish Sardines
Servings: 1
Calories: 90 kcal
Ingredients
- 1-2 Cornish sardines per person. Have the fishmonger gut them and remove the head & tail if you'd prefer.
- 2 sprigs rosemary.
- Salt & pepper.
Instructions
- Rinse the fish well, then pat dry with kitchen paper.
- Stuff each fish with a sprig of fresh rosemary, sprinkle with salt & pepper and grill under a hot grill for 3-5 minutes. Turn and repeat on the other side.
- Spread the meat in the thickest part of the fish to ensure it is cooked through, then serve with a simple salad, roast veggies or a chunk of fresh bread.
Nutrition Facts
Simple Grilled Cornish Sardines
Amount Per Serving
Calories 90 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Cholesterol 21mg7%
Sodium 0mg0%
Potassium 128mg4%
Carbohydrates 0g0%
Sugar 0g0%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 85IU2%
Calcium 157mg16%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tammy/Our Neck of the Woods says
I’ve actually never eaten fish like this before, but you do make it sound delicious!
Jane Sarchet says
Oh, it is delicious Tammy and as it’s an oily fish it’s one of those that are crazily good for you too!
Janie x
Glamorous Glutton says
These look wonderful but of course they were super fresh, with bright eyes and shiny skin. I love the great flavour of fresh simple food. How much more local could these have been? GG
Jane Sarchet says
Ha! I don’t suppose there were many food miles involved in this meal GG! Nice to see you, hope you’re well?
Janie x
Nick @ Bakingbeardy says
You always make the simple look so lovely and delicious!
Jane Sarchet says
I’m all for an easy life Nick :D
Janie x
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
My goodness. We had Sardines fro breakfast all the time in Sierra Leone. And I did not like them so much for a very long time. Now I absolutely adore them..
Jane Sarchet says
Ginger beer & sardines for breakfast?!
What kind of dish would they be in Bintu, just served whole or in a kedgeree or…?
Janie x
Nancy/SpicieFoodie says
I tried Greek sardines once and loved them. Yours are making my mouth water. It’s a simple and flavourful meal perfect for summer days.
Jane Sarchet says
I so agree Nancy, and they need so little with them as they are bursting with flavour.
Janie x
Regula @ Miss foodwise says
Love sardines, and you are in the right place for them! I had no idea you lived in my absolute favourite village in Cornwall Polperro!! Now I’m green with envy oh my!
Just been to Cornwall but only did the north as we did the south east two years ago.
Hope to be back soon though!
Jane Sarchet says
Aw really? We are so spoilt in so many ways living here, but especially with the array of seafood close at hand.
You absolutely must come and visit next time you’re down this way Regula!
Janie x
fiona maclean says
one of those recipes that no one ever writes up but we all need to know. I love sardines and they are very nutritious AND cheap!
xx
Jane Sarchet says
And so so good for you too! Thanks for popping in Fiona :)
Janie x
Bryan @ Mega Sardines says
I always prefer dishes with grilled fish! And sardines are best grilled since they’re small and it doesn’t take a long time to cook them.