Sardines… Who Would Have Thought?

Who would have thought that a few simple grilled sardines could become something I actually look forward to?

For years, I looked at them as those small, insignificant fish that weren’t really worth the effort. Too many bones. Too much work. Nothing special.

Turns out, I was completely wrong.

Sardinhas assadas — grilled sardines — are one of those simple Portuguese dishes that remind you that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. Fresh fish, sea salt, heat, and a few simple sides. That’s it.

They are delicious, affordable, healthy, and somehow connected to a slower way of living — a time when smaller things were appreciated and meals were about more than just eating.

Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you almost overlook.

Sardinhas Assadas — Grilled Sardines for 4

Ingredients

• 12 fresh sardines, ideally medium-sized and whole (scaled and gutted if preferred)

• Coarse sea salt (2–3 tablespoons)

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

• Crusty bread or Portuguese cornbread, to serve

• Boiled potatoes, green salad, or roasted peppers, to serve

Method

1. Prepare the barbecue and wait until the charcoal is very hot and the flames have disappeared.

2. Rinse the sardines quickly and pat them dry.

3. Season generously with coarse sea salt on both sides just before grilling. Don’t be shy — the salt is what brings out their flavour.

4. Place the sardines directly on a lightly oiled grill over high heat.

5. Grill for around 3–5 minutes on each side until the skin is beautifully browned and the fish is just cooked. The crispy skin is part of the magic.

6. Serve immediately with bread underneath to catch the juices, together with potatoes, salad, and grilled Padrón peppers if you like a little heat.

Simple food. Real flavour. A little taste of Portugal.