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Canned sardines are beloved around the world. Although they’re often eaten straight from the tin, it’s also possible to cook with them with delicious results.
You can find canned sardine recipes everywhere from India to Portugal. They’re enjoyed as everyday meals, as traditional snacks and served when entertaining as part of a trendy “seacuterie” board (charcuterie featuring tinned seafood).
Although some people consider them an economical food of last resort, canned sardines can taste amazing.
Famous chefs such as Martin Berasategui and Jamie Oliver even feature this humble fish in their cookbooks and restaurants!
Whether you’re already a sardine fan or are trying sardines for the first time, you’ll find lots of inspiration in this collection of delicious canned sardine recipes from around the world.
We’ve selected the top pasta dishes from Italy, a healthy omelet from Spain, spicy Mexican sardines, a street food snack from Morocco and several delicious spreads and dips.
Any one of these appetizers, entrees and sides are sure to make you a sardine lover in no time at all!
Differences between Sardines, Pilchards, Sprats and Brislings
Sardine and pilchard are small fish that are members of the herring family. Although they’re both common names for the sardinus pilchardus sardines are generally younger, smaller fish (up to a maximum of 15 cm or 25 cm depending on the classification system) while pilchards are larger and older.
Sprats, also called brislings, are even smaller than sardines. Sprats, brislings, pilchards and sardines all have a strong flavour and are oily and soft in texture.
There are actually 21 different species of marine fish which are canned as sardines. For recipe purposes, we consider all of these small, tinned fish as sardines.
Named for the island of Sardinia in Italy where the sardine stock was once abundant, their popularity dates back to the 15th century when, much like salted cod, it was an important food for long ocean voyages.
In modern times, a tin of sardines is a handy ingredient to have in your pantry thanks to its incredibly long shelf life, versatility and low cost.
Choosing the Best Canned Sardines
When it comes to making a canned sardine recipe taste good, the key is quality ingredients. Use the very best tinned sardines you can afford.
While it’s possible to purchase a tin of sardines for just a few dollars and a can of premium sardines can cost as much as $20, it’s well worth the investment when it comes to flavour and texture.
The process of canning sardines not only preserves the fish, it intensifies its flavour.
Although my fellow North Americans might argue that Canadian sardines–which include brands such as Brunswick–are the best in the world, in my opinion the best canned sardines come from Portugal and Spain.
European brands of sardines are larger, firmer and meatier than those canned in North America. They’re available in bars, restaurants and virtually every grocery store throughout Europe.
Spain’s canned seafood — which can include octopus, anchovies, sea urchins and even baby eels — is sourced primarily from the pristine waters of Galicia on Spain’s Atlantic coast.
At the cannery, the fish are washed, the heads and tail are removed, and the fish are then smoked or cooked, either by deep-frying or steam.
They’re packed in either olive, sunflower or soybean oil, spring water or in a tomato, chile or even mustard sauce.
For most recipes, opt for sardines packed in olive oil. Look for brands from France, Spain or Portugal in a speciality shop.
Or order a quality brand such as Matiz Gallego Sardines or those from a gourmet line such as Chef José Andrés Foods online through Amazon.
How to Eat Sardines Straight from the Can
Can you eat sardines straight from the can? Yes! They don’t need to be cooked or cleaned. They’re ready to eat.
Because canned sardines are so portable, they’re perfect for a quick meal if you’re travelling, camping or on a hike.
A sardine can is virtually indestructible, opens easily and is ready to serve so is handy for travelling or as a boating snack.
While the heads of sardines are removed before canning, they’re not usually gutted or deboned. It’s not necessary to separate the bones from the sardines.
Much as with tinned salmon, the bones soften during the canning process, they are totally edible.
However, if you want to remove the main bone you can lift it out by starting at thickest part of the fish rather than the tail.
Nutrition
Another reason to leave the bones in canned sardines is that they contain calcium.
Sardines are a powerhouse of goodness as they also contain protein and a host of valuable vitamins and minerals. They’re especially high in heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, selenium, B12 and niacin.
However, tinned sardines are often quite high in sodium and calories. And, like all fish they contain purine compounds which can raise uric acid levels in your blood and cause problems if you have gout, a form of arthritis.
Check the healthy eating guidelines at Arthritis Foundation for recommendations on high-purine foods such as sardines, lobster, scallops, tuna, haddock and salmon.
Sardines are an Eco-friendly Food
You can also feel good about eating sardines environmentally. According to the WorldWatch Institute, an organization promoting a more sustainable world, sardines are a wild, sustainably-sourced fish.
They reproduce quickly and aren’t farmed. Because they are low on the food chain, they don’t accumulate high levels of contaminants such as mercury or PCBs as the large ocean fish.
Look for sardines that carry the blue MSC label. That means they come from fisheries that have been independently certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard.
How to Prepare for Cooking and Storage
- In order to prepare the fish for cooking in canned sardine recipes, you should drain the oil or water. The exception is if you’re using tinned sardines in tomato sauce. In that case don’t drain the sauce!
- While some recipes may call for using the vegetable or olive oil in the tin, using it will make the recipes taste fishier. So for some people, draining the oil from the sardines makes them taste better.
- Pat the filets slightly with a paper towel to dry them and remove excess oil. But don’t remove the skin.
- Don’t worry about trying to remove the bones. They’re edible and actually provide valuable vitamins and minerals.
- Most recipes call for one full tin of sardines. If you do have leftovers, treat canned sardines like fresh fish once the tin is opened. Remove from the tin and store any unused sardines covered in a plastic or glass container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Unless the recipe specifies otherwise, leave the sardines whole.
Mexican Canned Sardines in Tomato Sauce
For a quick meal or snack, tinned sardines in tomato sauce are delicious on their own right out of the can. But invest a few minutes and a few easy ingredients and you’ll have an extra-special meal.
This Mexican-style recipe is one of our favourites. It’s packed with flavour!
Check it out and then scroll down to browse the rest of our collection of tinned sardine recipes from around the world!
Mexican Canned Sardines in Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Knife
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 can of sardines in tomato sauce (not drained) 125 grams
- 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic peeled and minced
- ½ small jalapeño pepper seeded and minced finely
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 Tablespoon freshly-squeezed lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon finely-chopped cilantro
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 green onion sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, then garlic, jalapeño pepper and cilantro. Sauté until softened but not browned.
- Add tomato paste mixed with water and lime juice to skillet. Stir and sauté.
- Add canned sardines with tomato sauce to the onion, tomato mixture in skillet. Cover and heat until warmed through without stirring. You want to keep the sardines intact.
- Place the sardines on top of cooked white rice in a bowl.
- Garnish with sliced green onion and serve immediately with a wedge of lime and/or hot sauce.
Notes
- Double or triple the recipe as needed.
- Don't stir the sardines while cooking as they are best served whole.
- You can store the prepared dish (covered) in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Substitute serrano pepper for the jalapeño chile pepper.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder.
- Add some smoked Spanish paprika and omit the cilantro for Spanish style sardines in tomato sauce.
Nutrition
19 Best Canned Sardine Recipes from Around the World
Pasta with Sardines
This sardine pasta recipe for Pasta con le Sarde is a easy twist on the Sicilian classic, and features bucatini pasta with sardines and fennel.
Cream of Sardines with Smoked Salmon and Capers
Created by acclaimed Basque chef Martin Berasategui, this tasty creamy sardine appetizer is surprisingly easy to make despite its stellar pedigree!
Spanish Omelette
A Spanish Omelet is a traditional dish from Spain that's both easy and delicious! Made with fried potatoes, onions, eggs, and Spanish sardines in olive oil, it can be served hot or cold.
Moroccan Fish Recipe: Hout Quari
These sardine sandwiches are a street food favorite in Morocco. While they're normally made with fresh sardines you can swap in tinned sardines and they're just as delicious!.
Brunch Bagel with Sardines
This delicious brunch recipe is proof that sardines aren't only for lunch or dinner. It features slivers of red onion, whipped cream cheese, capers and top quality canned sardines. This deli style open-faced sandwich is perfect for entertaining!
Paleo Sardine Dip
This delicious sardine dip is bursting with flavor and is paleo and keto friendly. Serve it with cucumber slices and plantain chips with a dash of hot sauce!
Sardine and Olives Focaccia
This focaccia recipe is tender and fluffy with the best Mediterranean ingredients. Using good quality products results in far better results. The canned sardines, olives and sun-dried tomatoes give the focaccia the deep flavour and aroma it needs.
Mediterranean Sardine Spread
If you're wondering what to do with canned sardines, try this delicious Mediterranean Sardine Spread today. It's quite a versatile tinned sardine recipe as you can vary the flavour by using sardines packed in tomato or even olive oil with hot peppers.
Mini Sardine Fish Cakes
This delicious canned sardine recipe uses chili-infused sardines to make mini Sardine Fish Cakes! Serve these tasty bites with a Spicy Yogurt Sauce as tapas or hors d’oeuvres.
Sicilian Pasta with Sardines
This pasta dish is our version of a Sicilian classic made with boneless sardines packed in olive oil. The garlic toasted breadcrumbs really take this Italian sardine and pasta dish over the top.
Sardine Salad (Summer Seafood Salad)
If you love a delicious Nicoise salad, this budget-friendly version that features sardines instead of tuna is sure to please! It's a salty, tangy and satisfying salad that's perfect for summer.
Easy Sardine Sandwich
Super easy to make, this sardine sandwich with boiled eggs is a healthy and flavorful dish. Enjoy it for a quick breakfast or brunch or anytime you're on the go.
Paleo Sardine Pate
Ideal for those trying trying sardines for the first time, this Paleo sardine pâté features caramelised onion and rosemary for an easy and delicious dip.
Sardine, Tomato And Red Onion Bruschetta
Need a party appetizer to excite the tastebuds? Look no further than this Italian-inspired Sardine, Tomato and Red Onion Bruschetta, topped with fresh parsley.
Fish Meatballs with Sardines
These easy fish meatballs (fish balls) are adapted from the Mexican dish Albondigas de Pescado and are made with sardines. Serve them with a quick and easy tomato sauce as an appetizer, or add them to pasta for seafood spaghetti and meatballs.
Czech Sardine Spread
This delicious sardine spread is a hit in the Czech Republic. You can make it in a flash, and I guarantee your guests will love it! All you need besides canned sardines is cream cheese, finely chopped onion, and a little lemon juice for an extra zing.
Spanish Sardines Pasta
One of the most simple canned sardine recipes also happens to be the most delicious. This super easy 15 minute recipe for Spanish sardines pasta features tagliatelle tossed with tinned sardines, chilli, tomato, garlic and lemon. Yum!
Sardines and Capers on Toast
Sardines and capers are a classic combination. The bold, tangy taste of brined capers really complements the meatiness of the sardines, especially when drizzled with fresh lemon juice. This Mediterranean version of sardines on toast makes a special lunch.
Sardines on Cauliflower Toast with Gremolata
For a powerhouse of a lunch that's also gluten-free, this version of sardines on toast features a cauliflower crust. The Mediterranean gremolata of chopped parsley, garlic, capers, and lemon zest makes this a delicious option for lunch or dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make canned sardines taste better?
Begin by purchasing the best quality tinned sardines you can afford. They’ll be meatier, have a firmer texture and a less fishy flavour.
To eat them straight from the can, place a filet on a cracker or crostini, add fresh lemon juice, some finely chopped red onion and fresh-ground black pepper.
Or use sardines in a recipe such as pasta or fish cakes where the flavour isn’t as pronounced.
Is it healthy to eat canned sardines every day?
While millionaire venture capitalist and “sardine freak” Craig Cooper claims that eating five cans of sardines daily helps keep him at peak performance, there are several reasons you might want to eat canned sardines in moderation.
While they do have several nutrients, they can also high in cholesterol, purines, sodium and calories. Check with the Arthritis Foundation and/or the Heart and Stroke Foundation for healthy eating guidelines.
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This post was originally published in 2021 and was substantially updated in 2024 with new recipes and photographs.
Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach), Michele Peterson is the founder of A Taste for Travel. Her award-winning travel and food writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source, National Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ other publications.
Read more about Michele Peterson.
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John Rhoe
Sardines have been a
camp out food since I was a kid
Jill
Perfect for quick campervan meals.
Michele Peterson
Canned sardines really are the perfect travel food. 🙂
Ross
It can be real simple too. Toast some bread you like, put some mayo like substance on it, then lettuce, Sardines, then some sliced tomato on top.