| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 22g | 5g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 19g | 1g |
Why I Love Spanish Grilled Sardines with Pepper Garnish
As a native New Yorker, I have always been inspired by the rich tapestry of flavors from around the world that has made our city such a culinary hotspot. So it’s no surprise that I am drawn to dishes that reflect this global influence, like the Grilled Sardines with Pepper Garnish. This Spanish dish encapsulates the vibrant flavors of Spanish cuisine with an effortlessly elegant presentation – providing a deliciously refreshing contrast to the fusion creations that dominate my beloved city’s cooking repertoire.
A Nod to the Classic Spanish Fare
Inspired by the likes of José Andrés, a Spanish-American chef known for championing tapas in America, this Grilled Sardines with Pepper Garnish recipe celebrates traditional Spanish elements. The fresh sardines are seasoned simply with olive oil and salt, grilled to perfection, and finished with a smoky, tangy pepper garnish. From the sizzle on the grill to the zesty lemon spritz, every step is an homage to its Spanish roots. It is an experience as rich and diverse as the streets of New York itself.
Perfect Pairings
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. While it tastes fantastic on its own with a glass of Spanish white wine, it also makes for a perfect companion to other tapas-style dishes. For instance, you could pair these succulent sardines with patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) or a Spanish omelette. A traditional Spanish gazpacho can also be an excellent flavorful foil to this dish.
As an actor, I see recipes as scripts, each ingredient playing off the others to create a culinary performance that captures the essence of a cuisine. With its nuanced flavors and textures, this Grilled Sardines with Pepper Garnish makes every meal a show-stopping performance worthy of a standing ovation.
What You’ll Need
Method
Step One
Preheat your grill to medium heat. In the meantime, prepare the sardines by cleaning them and removing their guts. Pat them dry and toss them lightly in olive oil. Season the sardines with salt to taste. Set them aside as you prepare the other ingredients.
Step Two
Next, focus on prepping the bell peppers. Remove their seeds and cut them into thin strips. Place them in a bowl, add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and mix them together. Set this aside to be used as garnish later.
Step Three
Take the prepared sardines and place them on the grill. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the skin of the sardines is crispy and the flesh is cooked all the way through. Flip them carefully to avoid breaking the skin.
Step Four
While the sardines are grilling, take the time to make the dressing for the garnish. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice and red wine vinegar until well combined. Pour this over the bell pepper and garlic garnish, mix well to ensure the pepper strips are well coated.
Step Five
Once the sardines are done, remove them from the grill and plate them up. Top each sardine with a generous amount of the pepper garnish. Pour any remaining dressing over the top. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your Grilled Sardines with Pepper Garnish!
