Espetos de Sardinas
Espetos de Sardinas are a traditional Spanish dish featuring fresh sardines skewered and grilled over an open flame. This simple preparation highlights the natural flavors of the fish with just a touch of salt and olive oil.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 25 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
Allergen information: may contain fish. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 12 pcssardine, fresh, cleaned, scales on
- 1 tbspsea salt
- 2 tbspolive oil
for serving
- 2 pcslemon, cut into wedges
Equipment
skewers · tongs · grill
The method
Step by step
- 1
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Cook’s note: Soaking skewers is crucial for even cooking and preventing splintering.
- 2
Carefully skewer the sardines through the eyes, ensuring they are evenly spaced and secure on the skewer.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Traditionally, 3-4 sardines are placed on each skewer. Keep the scales on as they help protect the delicate flesh during grilling.
- 3
Season both sides of the skewered sardines generously with sea salt.
About 1 min
- 4
Prepare your grill for medium-high heat, ideally using wood or charcoal for authentic flavor.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: The traditional method involves grilling over an olive wood fire on a sand pit, but a regular grill works well.
- 5
Brush the sardines with olive oil just before placing them on the grill.
About 1 min
- 6
Grill the sardines for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the skin is crispy and slightly charred, and the fish is cooked through.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Sardines cook quickly; be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out.
- 7
Serve the Espetos de Sardinas immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Keep it good
Store leftover cooked sardines in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat in a pan over low heat or in an oven until just warmed through.
More recipes
All recipesdessert
Cooked Apple Dumplings
A simple, old-fashioned dessert of tender apples encased in a soft, boiled dough. These comforting dumplings are served warm, finished with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of sugar.
1 hr 537 kcalmain course
Classic Oden
This comforting Japanese one-pot dish features a variety of ingredients simmered in a light, savory dashi broth. It's a perfect meal for colder weather, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
1 hr 30 minmain course
Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli
Handmade pasta filled with a creamy blend of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, served with a simple butter sage sauce. This classic Italian dish offers comforting flavors and a delightful texture, perfect for a cozy meal.
1 hr 40 min 604 kcalside dish
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This simple side dish combines tender, slightly caramelized Brussels sprouts with crispy, salty bacon. It's an easy and flavorful addition to almost any meal, offering a delightful balance of textures.
40 min 264 kcalmain course
Ceebu Jën (Thieboudienne)
This traditional Senegalese dish features fish, rice, and a colorful medley of vegetables simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It's a flavorful and hearty one-pot meal that embodies the vibrant culinary heritage of West Africa. This recipe uses readily available ingredients for a delicious and authentic experience.
2 hrmain course
Yum Pla Duk Foo (Crispy Catfish Salad)
This vibrant Thai salad features crispy fried catfish flakes, providing a unique texture and savory flavor. It's tossed with a bright and spicy dressing, complemented by fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables. A perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
45 min 459 kcaldessert
Chocolate Fudge Pound Cake
A dense and moist pound cake with a deep chocolate flavor enhanced by coffee. Chopped walnuts add a pleasant crunch to the rich, fudgy crumb.
2 hr 5 min 439 kcal