Monday, May 24, 2010

Breaded Fried Sardines

A while back I was at Marukai Market, and picked up a package of four whole sardines for about a dollar. What was I going to do with them? I had no idea, but was sure I could come up with something.

After a while, I decided I wanted to stuff them with bread crumbs, cheese and herbs, and pan fry. So I got to work.

Imagine my surprise when I opened the package and discovered that these fish were whole. I mean completely whole, guts and everything included. It looked like I had to learn how to gut a fish.

It actually wasn't too bad. And by that, I mean it was thoroughly disgusting and I really don't ever want to do it again. I learned two things: fish guts are gross, and sardine skin is incredibly fragile. But in the end, I had 8 fillets, relatively intact. I had been aiming for whole (so I could stuff them), but that apparently doesn't happen once you pull out the spine. Oh well, on to Plan B - no stuffing just rolled around in seasoned bread crumbs, and fried in a little oil.


Tasty? Heck, yes. These taste nothing like sardines from a can. They taste like...well...fish. Good fish. Crunchy fried fish. So good, that I'm now on the lookout for more (already cleaned) sardines.

8 comments:

Christo Gonzales said...

man do I like sardines - breaded I like them even more - lets talk

Vicki said...

Hey Christo -
You clean 'em, I'll cook 'em.

Stash said...

I've been obsessed with sardines and white anchovies fried whole lately. Just need a squeeze of lemon and perfect. I'm just bad w/ fish in the kitchen--you make it seem so approachable...

Vicki said...

Hey Stash - They're approachable, as long as they're gutless. Otherwise...ick.

caninecologne said...

have you tried the grilled sardines on a stick at sea rocket bistro? they're pretty good and have sea salt sprinkled on them.

Vicki said...

Hey CC - Eek! Must try. Anything on a stick is good.

Angry Asian said...

goodness, i adore sardines. but i stick to the canned stuff. i can't seem to get up enough courage to handle fresh fish, just yet.

Vicki said...

Hi Angry Asian -
Canned is definitely a lot easier (ie. less disgusting) to work with!