Grilled Sardines

⏱ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⌚ Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes
♠ Servings: 4 people
⇒ Difficulty: Easy

If there’s one dish that smells like summer, it’s grilled sardines. Simple, authentic, and bursting with the aroma of the sea, they transform into a culinary delight when placed over hot coals. The smoke adds depth and flavor, while each bite evokes memories of seaside taverns. Serve them with a fresh salad, feta cheese, and charcoal-grilled bread — and of course, a glass of Mavropetritis White Dry Wine. Its fruity and lively profile perfectly highlights the flavor of the sardines, bringing the freshness of the Aegean straight to your table.

✅ Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 1 kg fresh sardines (cleaned and headless)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Fresh parsley (for serving)

• Lemon slices (for serving)

Preparing the Sardines

Start with your sardines — rinse them thoroughly and let them drain on kitchen paper. If they aren’t already cleaned, gently remove the heads and guts, taking care not to damage the delicate flesh. Sardines are sensitive — a little attention goes a long way.

Marinade

In a bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil, juice from half a lemon, 1 finely chopped garlic clove, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss the sardines in the marinade and let them rest for 20–30 minutes. This short wait makes them juicier and more aromatic.

Grilling over Charcoal

Light the charcoal and wait until you have a steady, glowing bed of embers. Place the grill at a medium height and lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the sardines for 3–4 minutes on each side, until the skin turns crispy and they release their characteristic aroma. Avoid flipping them constantly — let the heat do the work.

Serving

Transfer the sardines to a platter, drizzle with a little fresh olive oil, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and add lemon slices. They pair perfectly with a glass of Mavropetritis White Dry Wine, which highlights the freshness and delicate marine notes of the sardines.

Secrets for Perfect Sardines

• The grill should be hot and ready — sardines cook quickly; if the heat is too low, they’ll dry out before getting color.

• Lightly oil the grill with a piece of kitchen paper soaked in olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking.

• Don’t salt them too early; salt draws out moisture and can make the sardines dry.

• If you don’t have charcoal, you can grill them in the oven — place them on a rack with a tray underneath.

• And finally, serve warm slices, with your hands, just like the best sardines are always enjoyed: simple, authentic, and paired with a glass of wine that tastes like the sea.

Calories per serving