Portuguese Grilled Sardines with Lemon

Introduction

Enjoy the authentic taste of Portugal with these perfectly grilled sardines. Their natural flavors are enhanced with a touch of sea salt and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Cooked on the Arteflame grill, these sardines develop a crispy skin and juicy interior, making them a true delight.

Ingredients

• 12 fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for grilling)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Wait about 20 minutes until the cooking surface is hot and ready.

Step 2: Prepare the sardines

1. Rinse the sardines under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Season both sides with sea salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Grill the sardines

1. Melt the butter on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill.
2. Place the sardines directly on the center grill grate for about 1 minute per side to sear.
3. Move the sardines to the outer edges of the flat cooktop and cook for another 4-5 minutes per side until they are cooked through and have crispy skin.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove the sardines from the grill and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
3. Serve immediately.

Tips

• Always let your Arteflame grill heat up fully before cooking to ensure perfect searing.
• For added flavor, brush the sardines with a little melted butter while cooking.
• If cooking for a crowd, grill multiple sardines at once to take advantage of Arteflame’s large cooking area.
• To avoid sticking, make sure the grill surface is well-buttered.

Variations

1. Garlic & Herb: Add minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to the butter before grilling.
2. Spicy Piri Piri: Mix cayenne pepper and smoked paprika into the sea salt for a fiery Portuguese-style sardine.
3. Lemon Zest: Sprinkle grated lemon zest over the sardines before grilling for extra citrusy brightness.
4. Grilled Peppers & Onions: Grill sliced bell peppers and onions alongside the sardines for added sweetness.
5. Wine & Butter: Brush sardines with a mixture of white wine and butter while grilling for a rich, deep flavor.

Best pairings

• Crusty Portuguese bread
• Grilled vegetables
• A glass of crisp Vinho Verde
• Simple arugula salad with olive oil and vinegar
• Roasted potatoes with rosemary

Conclusion

Portuguese-style grilled sardines are a simple yet delicious dish that highlight the beauty of fresh seafood. When cooked on the Arteflame grill, they develop a crispy skin while staying juicy inside. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and enjoy every smoky, flavorful bite.