Spanish-Style Fried Sardines with Garlic Aioli Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Spanish-Style Fried Sardines served with a creamy garlic mayonnaise aioli. This quick 20-minute recipe features fresh parsley and a hint of lemon for a delightful appetizer or light meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for seafood lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Sardines and Coating
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cans small sardines in olive oil (4 oz / 120 grams each)
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour (40 grams)
- 2 cage-free organic eggs
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (4 grams)
- sea salt & black pepper
Garlic Mayo Aioli
- 1/2 cup low fat mayonnaise (120 grams)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp lemon juice (5 ml)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (15 ml)
Garnish
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Heat the skillet. Heat a large fry pan over medium heat and add 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, allowing it to warm up for frying.
- Prepare the sardines. Gently drain the sardines using a fine sieve placed over a bowl to collect excess oil. Carefully shake off any remaining olive oil from the sardines without breaking them apart.
- Make the coating mixture. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add the chopped parsley, and season with sea salt and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to combine. In a separate bowl, place the all-purpose flour for coating.
- Coat and fry the sardines. Lightly coat each sardine first in the flour, then dip into the egg wash. Place the coated sardines carefully into the hot fry pan in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Work in batches as needed and transfer cooked sardines to a dish lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the garlic mayo aioli. In a small bowl, add the low fat mayonnaise. Finely grate the garlic cloves into the mayonnaise, then squeeze in the lemon juice. Add the 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Whisk until creamy and smooth.
- Serve and garnish. Pour the aioli into a serving dish and arrange the fried sardines around it. Garnish with lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, flavorful sardines with the tangy aioli.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor in the egg wash coating mixture.
- Handle sardines gently when draining and coating to prevent them from falling apart.
- Frying in batches ensures even cooking and keeps the oil temperature consistent.
- Adjust seasoning in the aioli according to taste; adding a bit more lemon juice can enhance brightness.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
