Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Italian Crusted Sardines

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Sarra
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
  • Method: Baked or Pan-Fried
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Italian Crusted Sardines are a crispy, savory seafood dish featuring fresh or canned sardines coated in herbed breadcrumbs and baked or pan-fried to golden perfection. Rich in omega-3s and bursting with Mediterranean flavor, they make a healthy appetizer or protein-rich main. Keyword: Italian crusted sardines


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • :
  • 8 fresh sardine fillets (or canned, drained if using)
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for cooking)
  • 1 egg, beaten (or plant-based milk for vegan option)

Instructions

  • :
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
  • In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  • Dip each sardine fillet into the beaten egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat.
  • Place coated sardines on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased. Drizzle with olive oil.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes or pan-fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  • Serve with lemon wedges and a green salad or pasta.

Notes

  • :
  • For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
  • Can be made gluten-free with GF breadcrumbs.
  • Serve as a snack, antipasto, or over spaghetti aglio e olio.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg