Print

Sardine Stir Fry Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 15 reviews

This quick and flavorful Sardine Stir Fry is a vibrant dish featuring sardines in tomato sauce cooked with aromatic garlic, onions, and optional spicy bird’s eye chilies and sambal. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, it makes a deliciously tangy and satisfying meal ready in just 15 minutes.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stirfrying
  • Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (425g) sardines in tomato sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 bird’s eye chilies, minced (optional)
  • 100ml water
  • 3-4 makrut lime leaves (optional)
  • 1 tbsp sambal (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For Garnish

  • Cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced chilies

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Add vegetable oil to a pan and heat over medium heat until hot.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced bird’s eye chilies (if using) to the pan. Stir-fry until fragrant and the onions start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add sardines and liquids: Pour in the entire can of sardines with the tomato sauce. Add 100ml water to create a sauce base. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of sambal and tear in the makrut lime leaves to infuse aromatic flavor.
  4. Cook until bubbly: Stir gently to combine all ingredients and let the sauce come to a bubble, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
  5. Finish and garnish: Turn off the heat. Garnish the stir fry with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and extra sliced chilies. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Bird’s eye chilies add heat; adjust quantity or omit based on your spice preference.
  • Makrut lime leaves provide a distinctive citrus aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Sambal adds extra richness and spice, so add according to taste.
  • Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Use fresh sardines in tomato sauce for best texture and taste.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/sardine-stir-fry-recipe/