Quick and Easy Ways to Prepare Sardines
Here are some of our favorite wholesome, protein-packed ways to enjoy sardines, including on salads, in sandwiches, with pasta, on crackers or with hunks of whole-grain bread.
Introduction
For an easy, nutritious addition to main courses and snack plates, it’s tough to beat tinned sardines. Ours are packed by hand in organic extra-virgin olive oil and have a delicate, but meaty texture. They’re shelf-stable so they’re always at the ready, they’re delicious right out of the can and they enliven dishes with a clean and rich fresh-from-the-sea taste. For a twist on traditional canned sardines, we’ve also got Patagonia Provisions Sardines & Beans, which feature our sardines packed with organic beans, vegetables and sauces.
We responsibly harvest our sardines using small-scale purse-seine techniques that minimize bycatch. Sardines are short-lived and reproduce quickly, so they don’t accumulate toxins like larger (often overfished) predators such as tuna and swordfish. On salads and in sandwiches, sardines can be substituted for those species. And sardines are amazingly versatile snacks on crackers or with hunks of good bread. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy sardines.
Sardines and Crackers
Nutritious snacks don’t get much easier than this classic pairing. Our tender, mild-flavored sardines go well with our crackers, making a combo that’s crunchy and delicate. Since our sardines and crackers are shelf-stable, they’re a no-fuss, easy snack to take on the trail or enjoy at home.
Try pairing our Organic Sourdough Sea Salt Crackers with our Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, avocado, pickled red onion and cilantro. Or, use the same crackers with our Sardines in Coconut Curry or Sardines & Beans with White Beans, Lemon, Garlic and Leeks. For even more flavor, add a dollop of your favorite chutney or hot sauce.
Sardines on Toast
When ripe tomatoes are locally available, try layering our Sardines in Tomato Sauce on a thick slice of grilled, buttered bread topped with garlicky bruschetta. Pretty much any bread will do—sourdough, maybe a baguette, half a ciabatta roll, all good.
If you’re short on time, place our Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil on toasted bread, drizzle them with more olive oil and then sprinkle with a little sea salt for a fast meal or snack.
Sardine Sandwich
Sardines make wholesome sandwiches, and their tender texture means they stand up well to thick breads and sandwich fillings. Try making a Scandinavian-inspired sandwich with rye bread, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, hard-boiled eggs and a couple of our Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil; then add whatever toppings you like.
Another easy sandwich features our Sardines in Tomato Sauce on a sliced ciabatta roll spread with good cream cheese. Cream cheese made from goat milk is a particularly great pairing here. And don’t forget a classic tuna salad sandwich, with sardines instead of tuna.
Sardine Salads
Our sardines can be substituted for tuna in salads. An easy option for a hearty sardine salad is a mix of fresh herbs, green onions, ripe tomatoes and our Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, dressed with a simple Dijon mustard, garlic and olive oil vinaigrette.
Or if you love Salade Niçoise, swap out the tuna with our tinned sardines for a novel take on a classic salad.
Our Sardines & Beans also are delicious in salads. Pour the contents of the can onto a bed of greens for a salad rich with protein and fiber. Our Sardines & Beans with Black Beans, Corn and Salsa work especially well in a taco salad with crushed tortilla chips.
Sardines and Rice
Tinned fish and rice make a simple, satisfying meal. For a fast, vibrant seafood curry, add our Sardines in Coconut Curry to a bowl of fluffy basmati rice and your favorite additions like yogurt and pickled onions.
Try topping your favorite paella recipe with a tin or two of our Sardines in Tomato Sauce—our Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Sardines & Beans with Black Beans, Corn and Salsa work well here too. It’s hard to go wrong with any recipes that include sardines and rice.
Sardines and Pasta
Sardines and pasta are a classic, hearty combination. Wholesome nutty grains and the rich umami of fish are just one of those pairings that seems to work no matter what you do. We like baked penne with sardines in a sauce of tomato, cream and thyme. It’s a rich, satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare.
Or try a simple dish like Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil with a long pasta like perciatelli, lemon zest, capers and breadcrumbs. For some extra protein in your favorite pasta dish, add our Sardines & Beans: White Beans, Lemon, Garlic and Leeks to your sauce. Basically, pick your favorite pasta and add a tin of our sardines and you’ll have a solid foundation for any meal.
Quick. Easy. Delicious.
Stock your pantry with tins of our Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Sardines in Coconut Curry and Sardines in Tomato Sauce, and you’ll have a base for quick, nutritious meals with many recipe options. Or just eat ’em straight from the tin with a stack of crunchy crackers. Can’t go wrong either way. For a unique take on traditional canned sardines, try our Sardines & Beans tins: Sardines & Beans: White Beans, Lemon, Garlic and Leeks, or Sardines & Beans: Black Beans, Corn and Salsa.
