Canned Sardine Recipes: 12 Surprising Ideas

Canned sardines are one of the most versatile, nutritious, and economical products you can have in your pantry. And yet, most people only eat them one way: straight from the can with a bit of bread. There's nothing wrong with that, but with good quality sardines, you can do much more.

In this guide, we propose 12 canned sardine recipes ranging from the simplest to dishes that will surprise any guest. All are easy, quick, and designed to make the most of good quality preserved sardines.

If you want to learn how to choose the best sardines before cooking, check out our complete guide to canned sardines: types, brands, and how to choose.

1. Sardine Toast with Tomato and Red Onion

The most classic recipe, elevated with good ingredients.

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 1 can of Dardo sardines in olive oil (€3.25)
• 4 slices of crystal bread or ciabatta
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Flaky salt and black pepper

Preparation

1. Toast the bread until crispy on the outside but tender on the inside.
2. Grate the tomato and dress with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Slice the red onion into very thin rings.
4. Spread the tomato on the toasts.
5. Place the sardines on top, whole or filleted.
6. Top with onion rings and a drizzle of oil from the can.

Tip: The oil from the can has all the flavor of the sardine. Always use it as a dressing.

2. Pasta with Sardines, Garlic, and Chili (Express Pasta con le Sarde)

Inspired by Sicilian pasta con le sarde, but a quick version with canned sardines.

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 200 g spaghetti or linguine
• 1 can of sardines in olive oil
• 3 sliced garlic cloves
• 1 dried chili (or a cayenne pepper)
• A handful of pine nuts
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon zest

Preparation

1. Cook the pasta al dente. Reserve a glass of the cooking water.
2. In a large skillet, brown the sliced garlic and chili in the oil from the can.
3. Add the sardines and mash them slightly with a fork (leave some chunks).
4. Toast the pine nuts in the pan for 1 minute.
5. Add the drained pasta and a splash of the cooking water.
6. Mix well over medium heat for 1 minute. Add parsley and lemon zest.

3. Mediterranean Salad with Sardines and Chickpeas

A complete meal in one dish: protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 1 can of Costa sardines (€2.95)
• 1 can of cooked chickpeas (400 g)
• 1 cucumber
• Cherry tomatoes
• Black olives
• Red onion
• Vinaigrette: olive oil, sherry vinegar, cumin, salt

Preparation

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. Cut cucumber into half-moons, cherry tomatoes in halves, onion into julienne strips.
3. Mix everything in a large bowl.
4. Place the whole sardines on top.
5. Dress with the cumin vinaigrette.

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4. Galician Sardine Empanada

The sardine empanada is a Galician classic that works wonderfully with canned sardines.

Ingredients (4-6 servings)

• 2 cans of sardines in olive oil
• 2 sheets of empanada dough (or homemade dough)
• 2 large onions
• 2 green bell peppers
• 400 g crushed tomatoes
• 1 egg for brushing
• Olive oil, salt, sweet paprika

Preparation

1. Sauté the onion and bell pepper in oil over medium heat for 15 minutes.
2. Add tomato and paprika. Cook for 10 more minutes. Let cool.
3. Roll out one sheet of dough on a baking sheet.
4. Spread the sofrito and place the sardines on top.
5. Cover with the second sheet of dough, seal the edges, and brush with egg.
6. Bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until golden.

5. Gratinéed Sardines with Cheese and Herbs

A quick way to turn a can of sardines into a spectacular oven dish.

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 1 can of sardines in oil
• 100 g grated cheese (cured Manchego or Parmesan)
• Breadcrumbs (2 tablespoons)
• Finely minced garlic
• Parsley and oregano
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Preparation

1. Place the sardines in an individual oven-safe dish.
2. Mix cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and lemon.
3. Cover the sardines with the mixture.
4. Broil at 220°C (grill) for 5-7 minutes until the crust is golden.
5. Serve immediately with crusty bread.

6. Piquillo Peppers Stuffed with Sardines

Piquillo peppers add a sweet touch that pairs perfectly with the salty flavor of sardines.

Ingredients (2-3 servings)

• 1 jar of piquillo peppers (8-10 peppers)
• 1 can of sardines
• 100 g cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika

Preparation

1. Flake the sardines and mix them with cream cheese, chives, and paprika.
2. Fill the piquillo peppers with the mixture.
3. You can serve them cold (as an appetizer) or gratiné them for 5 minutes in the oven.
4. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh chives.

7. Sardine Croquettes

Yes, canned sardines make incredible croquettes. The key is a well-concentrated béchamel sauce.

Ingredients (20-25 croquettes)

• 2 cans of sardines (drained)
• 50 g butter
• 60 g flour
• 500 ml milk
• Nutmeg, salt, and pepper
• Beaten egg and breadcrumbs for breading
• Oil for frying

Preparation

1. Mash the sardines with a fork, removing large bones.
2. Melt butter, add flour, and stir for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until a thick béchamel forms.
4. Mix the sardines with the béchamel. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
6. Shape the croquettes, coat in egg and then breadcrumbs.
7. Fry in hot oil (180°C) until golden brown.

8. Smoked Sardine Bruschetta with Avocado

Smoked sardines have a more complex flavor than sardines in oil. With avocado, they create an addictive combination.

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 1 package of smoked sardine fillets (€9.90)
• 1 ripe avocado
• Toasted sourdough bread
• Juice of half a lemon
• Chopped chives
• Chili flakes (optional)

Preparation

1. Mash the avocado with lemon, salt, and pepper.
2. Toast the bread slices.
3. Spread the avocado and place the smoked sardine fillets on top.
4. Finish with chives and chili flakes.

9. Spanish Omelet with Sardines

A classic potato omelet with added sardines. Sounds strange, but it works.

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 can of sardines in oil
• 4 medium potatoes
• 1 onion
• 6 eggs
• Olive oil, salt

Preparation

1. Confit potatoes and onion in oil over medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
2. Beat the eggs with salt in a large bowl.
3. Mix the drained potatoes with the eggs.
4. Flake the sardines and incorporate them.
5. Cook the omelet in a pan for 3-4 minutes per side.

10. Sardines A La Pizza (Sardine Flatbread)

In Italy, sardines are a classic pizza topping. Here, we simplify it with store-bought pizza dough.

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 1 pizza base or flatbread
• 1 can of sardines
• Tomato sauce (100 ml)
• Fresh mozzarella
• Black olives
• Capers
• Fresh oregano

Preparation

1. Spread tomato sauce on the base.
2. Distribute mozzarella pieces.
3. Place the sardines, olives, and capers.
4. Bake at 220°C for 10-12 minutes.
5. Finish with fresh oregano after removing from the oven.

11. Sardine Spread

Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or as a base for canapés.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of sardines
• 100 g cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Juice of half a lemon
• Capers (1 tablespoon)
• Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika

Preparation

1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor or mash with a fork until a pâté consistency is achieved.
2. Adjust salt, lemon, and paprika to taste.
3. Serve in a bowl with small toasts, carrot sticks, or cucumber.
4. Stores for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, covered.

12. Quick Homemade Pickled Sardines

A quick pickle transforms canned sardines into a gourmet dish.

Ingredients (2-3 servings)

• 2 cans of sardines
• 1 thinly sliced onion
• 1 thinly sliced carrot
• 3 garlic cloves
• 150 ml sherry vinegar
• 150 ml olive oil
• Bay leaf, peppercorns, smoked paprika

Preparation

1. Sauté onion and carrot in oil over medium heat for 10 minutes.
2. Add garlic, bay leaf, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in the vinegar and cook for 5 more minutes.
4. Let the pickle cool.
5. Place the sardines in a container and cover with the cold pickle.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving (preferably 24 hours).

To delve deeper into the world of preserved sardines — types, formats, brands, and qualities — visit our complete guide to preserved sardines.

Tips for Cooking with Canned Sardines

Regardless of the recipe you choose, these tips make all the difference:

• Don't discard the oil: The oil from the can has absorbed all the flavor of the sardines. Use it as a dressing or for sautéing.
• Can quality: Sardines in extra virgin olive oil are superior to those in sunflower oil. Dardo sardines and Costa sardines are reliable and affordable options.
• Smoked is another level: Smoked sardine fillets (€8.75) offer a more complex flavor and work better in cold dishes.
• Bones: In canned sardines, the bones are edible (they are softened by the preservation process). There's no need to remove them.
• Temperature: Take the sardines out of the can 10 minutes before serving. At room temperature, they have more flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

From Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona, we have been selecting the best seafood products for over 35 years. If this guide has been useful to you, explore our catalog at bacalalo.com and receive the same quality at home that we have been selling in the market since 1990.

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