Whole30 Grilled Sardines with Garlic Lemon Marinade
Elevate your seafood repertoire with these Whole30 Grilled Sardines with Garlic Lemon Marinade, a light yet flavor-packed dish perfect for anyone following a Whole30 or paleo lifestyle. Fresh sardines are marinated in a vibrant mixture of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon peel, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and a touch of salt and pepper, creating a bright and herbaceous flavor profile. The sardines are then grilled to perfection, yielding crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh infused with smoky, citrusy notes. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a quick turn on the grill, this healthy and protein-rich recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive outdoor cookout. Garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, these sardines pair beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a deliciously wholesome meal experience.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces fresh sardines
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, leaves stripped
Instructions
Begin by cleaning the sardines: Rinse them under cold water, remove scales, guts, and heads if necessary, then pat them dry using paper towels.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme to create the marinade.
Place the cleaned sardines in a shallow dish and pour the garlic lemon marinade over them, ensuring each sardine is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are covered with white ash. Lightly oil the grill grates with a brush or a towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.
Remove the sardines from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Carefully place the sardines on the grill.
Grill the sardines for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the skin is crispy and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Once done, remove from the grill and arrange the sardines on a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Serve immediately with wedges of lemon on the side for added zest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1946 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.0 g | 172% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.1 g | 96% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 966 mg | 322% | |
| Sodium | 5148 mg | 224% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.0 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 168.5 g | 337% | |
| Vitamin D | 81.6 mcg | 408% | |
| Calcium | 2643 mg | 203% | |
| Iron | 21.2 mg | 118% | |
| Potassium | 2859 mg | 61% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
