Crispy Fried Sardines Recipe
A simple and crispy fried sardines recipe featuring fresh sardines coated in seasoned cornmeal and fried until golden brown. Perfectly paired with lemon wedges, sliced onions, and a refreshing Turkish lettuce salad for a delightful seafood meal.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Turkish
Main Ingredients
- 1 kilogram fresh sardines (cleaned and gutted)
- 200 grams cornmeal
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 150 ml oil (light olive oil or sunflower oil)
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Sliced onions
- Mevsim Salatası (Turkish Lettuce Salad)
- Rinse and Drain Sardines: Rinse the sardines thoroughly under running water, then place them in a colander to drain out excess water to ensure they are dry before coating.
- Prepare Cornmeal Mixture: In a large, shallow plate, combine the cornmeal and salt evenly to create the coating mixture for the sardines.
- Coat the Sardines: Dip each sardine into the cornmeal mixture, making sure they are fully coated on all sides, then lay them aside on the plate ready for frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the oil into a wide skillet and heat over medium heat. Test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a pinch of cornmeal in; it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the Sardines: Fry the sardines in batches, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the fried sardines to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil, keeping them crisp and less greasy.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried sardines immediately alongside lemon wedges, sliced onions, and Mevsim Salatası (Turkish Lettuce Salad) for a refreshing accompaniment.
Notes
- Make sure sardines are well drained to ensure a crispy coating.
- Use fresh sardines for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust frying oil quantity as needed to maintain consistent heat.
- Serve immediately for optimum crispiness.
- This recipe pairs well with light, fresh salads and citrus flavors.
Keywords: fried sardines, cornmeal fried fish, Turkish seafood recipe, crispy sardines, easy seafood dish