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Easy Marinated Sardine Fillets

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Light, tangy, and packed with flavor, these Easy Marinated Sardine Fillets are a Mediterranean classic made effortlessly at home. Infused with herbs, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, this chilled appetizer is perfect for antipasto platters, toast toppings, or a refreshing seafood snack.

Ingredients

  • 10-12 fresh sardine fillets, cleaned and deboned

  • 1/2 cup white wine vinegar

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1 small white onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced

  • 1 tsp black peppercorns

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

  • 1-2 dried red chilies, halved

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Sardines:
    Rinse sardine fillets gently under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

  2. Mix Marinade:
    In a small bowl, combine white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and lemon zest (if using).

  3. Layer Sardines and Aromatics:
    In a shallow dish, arrange half the sardine fillets skin-side down. Top with half the onions, garlic slices, peppercorns, chilies, and thyme. Repeat with remaining fillets and aromatics.

  4. Marinate:
    Pour the vinegar-oil mixture evenly over the sardines to cover. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to fully infuse flavor.

  5. Serve:
    Serve chilled or at room temperature with crusty bread, toast, crackers, or as part of an antipasto board.

Notes

  • For a citrusy variation, use lemon juice in place of some vinegar.

  • Can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.

  • Best served with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/easy-marinated-sardine-fillets/