Fish and Seafood

Grilled Sardines

Grilled sardines with coarse salt, bread, potatoes, and bell pepper salad.

Region / OccasionLisbon / popular festivals
DifficultyEasy
Total Time30 min
Servings4 servings
Photo of Grilled Sardines - traditional Portuguese recipe
Photo of the traditional Portuguese recipe.

Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family, and cook.

About the Recipe

Grilled sardines are a symbol of Portuguese popular festivals, especially in Lisbon.

The preparation is straightforward: fresh fish, coarse salt, and a hot grill.

The accompaniment usually includes bread, boiled potatoes, and bell pepper salad.

Ingredients

  • 12 cleaned fresh sardines
  • Coarse salt
  • Olive oil for finishing
  • Boiled potatoes
  • Roasted bell peppers
  • Rustic bread
  • Optional lemon

Preparation Method

  1. Dry the sardines and season with coarse salt.
  2. Heat the grill well.
  3. Grill the sardines quickly on both sides.
  4. Avoid flipping too many times to prevent tearing the skin.
  5. Serve over bread or with potatoes.
  6. Finish with olive oil and roasted bell peppers.

Tips from Empório Portugal

  • Fresh sardines have a shine and a clean sea smell.
  • A very hot grill prevents sticking.
  • Do not overcook: the fish dries out quickly.

Possible Substitutions in Brazil

  • If fresh sardines are unavailable, use another small, fatty fish for grilling.
  • Brazilian roasted bell pepper substitutes Portuguese peppers.

Pairing

Vinho Verde, light red wine, or pale beer. Content intended for those over 18 years old. Drink responsibly.

Editorial Note from Empório Portugal

This recipe is part of the editorial curation of Empório Portugal, developed from Portuguese culinary tradition. Like all traditional recipes, it may vary according to region, family, and cook.

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