BBQ Sardines with Lime & Fennel
Grilled sardines are a summer classic — bold, smoky, and full of flavour. This recipe adds a fresh twist with lime and fennel, which balance the rich fish perfectly. Sardines are naturally high in omega-3 and protein, and they cook beautifully on the barbecue in just a few minutes.
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes 🔥 Cook Time: 6–8 minutes 💡 Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 6 whole sardines, gutted and scaled
- 1 lime, zest and juice
- 1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper
- Optional: chilli flakes or fresh parsley
Method
- Preheat the barbecue or grill to medium-high.
- Mix the lime zest and juice, fennel seeds, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub the marinade all over the sardines, inside and out.
- Place the sardines on a hot grill or BBQ (use a fish grill rack if you have one) and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly charred and cooked through.
Serving Suggestion
Serve with grilled bread, a crisp salad, or warm new potatoes. A spoonful of herby yoghurt or a drizzle of extra lime juice works beautifully too.
Order fresh sardines from Hamiltons Fish — rich in flavour, packed with omega-3, and ideal for quick outdoor cooking.
