Citrus Grilled Sardines Delight

Citrus Grilled Sardines Delight

This Citrus Grilled Sardines Delight brings the vibrant flavors of fresh citrus and herbs to complement the rich taste of sardines. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a light, healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Sardines:

  • 8 fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted

• Marinade:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

• For Grilling:

  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • Olive oil for brushing the grill

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

   • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, fresh parsley, and fresh thyme. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

2. Marinate the Sardines:

   • Add the cleaned sardines to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each sardine is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

3. Preheat the Grill:

   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Citrus Slices:

   • Place the lemon and orange slices on the grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they have nice grill marks and are slightly charred. Remove them from the grill and set aside.

5. Grill the Sardines:

   • Remove the sardines from the marinade and place them directly on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until the skin is crisp and the flesh is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as sardines can become dry.

6. Serve:

   • Place the grilled sardines on a serving platter. Garnish with the grilled lemon and orange slices. Optionally, you can sprinkle additional fresh parsley and a hint of sea salt on top.

Additional Tips:

• Olive Oil: Using a good quality olive oil enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a side of simple greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette or toasted crusty bread.
• Cooking Method: If you do not have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the sardines in the oven.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Vitamin C: High due to the citrus ingredients

Enjoy your Citrus Grilled Sardines Delight – a delicious, nutritious, and light option perfect for any meal!