Grilled Sardines with Lemon and Garlic on the Arteflame Grill

Grilled sardines are a classic Portuguese dish that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for outdoor cooking. Sardines are a staple in Portuguese cuisine, often enjoyed during summer festivals and served with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Cooking them on the Arteflame grill gives the sardines a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh herbs and citrus.

Ingredients

12 fresh sardines, cleaned and scaled
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 lemons (1 sliced for grilling, 1 cut into wedges for serving)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sardines

Rinse the sardines under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Rub this mixture over the sardines, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the grill.

2. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Preheat your Arteflame grill to medium-high heat. The flat cooktop is ideal for grilling sardines, allowing them to cook evenly without sticking.

3. Grill the Sardines

Place the sardines directly on the hot cooktop. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the skin is crispy and the flesh is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the sardines, as they can dry out quickly.

While the sardines are grilling, place the lemon slices on the cooktop and grill them for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they are slightly charred and caramelized.

4. Serve

Transfer the grilled sardines to a serving platter and drizzle them with fresh lemon juice. Garnish with the grilled lemon slices and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for the Best Grilled Sardines

Freshness: Use the freshest sardines you can find for the best flavor. Fresh sardines have a bright, shiny skin and clear eyes.
Grill Heat: Keep the grill at medium-high heat to ensure the sardines cook quickly and evenly without sticking.
Serving: Sardines are best enjoyed hot off the grill with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Conclusion

Grilled sardines with lemon and garlic are a quintessential Portuguese dish that’s perfect for a summer barbecue or an easy outdoor meal. The combination of smoky, charred sardines with fresh citrus and herbs is simple yet incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re enjoying them as a main dish or a flavorful appetizer, these grilled sardines bring a taste of Portugal to your table.

Variations

Spicy Sardines: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Herb-Marinated Sardines: Marinate the sardines with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
Garlic Butter Sardines: Baste the sardines with melted garlic butter as they grill for a rich, savory finish.
Citrus Sardines: Use a mix of lemon and orange slices for a sweet and tangy flavor combination.
Sardines with Tomato Salad: Serve the sardines with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad for a light, refreshing meal.

Best Pairings

Drink: Pair with a crisp Vinho Verde or a chilled Portuguese white wine.
Side Dish: Serve with grilled vegetables, a simple green salad, or crusty bread.
Dessert: Finish with a traditional Portuguese dessert like Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) or a fruit salad.