why make this recipe
Crispy Fried Sardines are a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. This recipe is not only simple but also lets you enjoy the nutritional benefits of sardines, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The combination of spices makes the sardines incredibly tasty, and the crispy texture is irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a unique dish for dinner, crispy fried sardines are a fantastic choice.
how to make Crispy Fried Sardines
Ingredients :
- 10 Sardines / Mathi Meen
- 2 Cloves of Garlic
- 1 Teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 Teaspoon cumin seeds
- A pinch of fenugreek seeds
- 1/2 Green Chilli
- 1 Teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon turmeric powder
- Juice of half lemon
- Zest of a lemon
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
Directions :
- In a pan, dry roast whole black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and fenugreek seeds for 30 seconds on low flame. Switch off the flame and transfer the ingredients to a food processor.
- Add green chilli, garlic cloves, red chilli powder, salt, and turmeric powder, along with lemon zest and lemon juice to the food processor with the dry roasted ingredients.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water and grind to a fine paste, adding more water if necessary.
- Apply the paste to the washed sardines, coating the fish evenly with the masala.
- Set aside for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan for deep frying and fry the marinated sardines until crispy and golden brown.
how to serve Crispy Fried Sardines
Crispy Fried Sardines can be served hot as an appetizer or as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and can be enjoyed with rice or flatbreads. For a complete meal, accompany them with a fresh salad or some spicy chutney.
how to store Crispy Fried Sardines
If you have leftovers, let the sardines cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a hot pan for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
tips to make Crispy Fried Sardines
- Make sure the sardines are properly cleaned and dried before applying the spice paste for the best flavor and texture.
- Letting the sardines marinate for longer than 15 minutes will enhance the flavors even more.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is hot enough for frying. This will help achieve that perfect crispiness.
variation
You can use different spices according to your taste. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of green chilli and red chilli powder. Alternatively, you can add herbs like parsley or cilantro to the spice mix for added freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen sardines?
Yes, you can use frozen sardines. Just make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before marinating.
2. What can I serve with crispy fried sardines?
They taste great with lemon wedges, a green salad, or even some spicy dipping sauce.
3. How long does it take to cook sardines?
Frying sardines typically takes about 5-7 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown. Always keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Crispy Fried Sardines
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 2 cloves Cloves of Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Whole black peppercorns
- 0.5 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- a pinch Fenugreek seeds
- 1/2 piece Green Chilli
- 1 teaspoon Red chilli powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- juice of half lemon Juice of half lemon
- zest of one lemon Zest of a lemon
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying Oil for deep frying
For the sardines
- 10 Sardines / Mathi Meen
Instructions
Preparation
- In a pan, dry roast whole black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and fenugreek seeds for 30 seconds on low flame.
- Switch off the flame and transfer the ingredients to a food processor.
- Add green chilli, garlic cloves, red chilli powder, salt, turmeric powder, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the food processor.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water and grind to a fine paste, adding more water if necessary.
- Apply the paste to the washed sardines, coating the fish evenly.
- Set aside for 15 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a pan for deep frying.
- Fry the marinated sardines until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.