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There’s something undeniably enchanting about the experience of enjoying grilled seafood, particularly when it comes to fresh catches like sardines. With their rich flavor and tender texture, sardines are a seafood lover's delight, especially when grilled to perfection. The process of grilling imbues the fish with a smoky aroma while retaining its natural oils, creating a dish that's both satisfying and healthful.

Lemon Pepper Grilled Sardines

Discover the vibrant flavors of lemon zest grilled sardines with this delightful recipe perfect for summer gatherings. The rich and tender sardines marry beautifully with the citrusy brightness of lemon, creating a dish that's both delicious and nutritious. Packed with heart-healthy omega-3s and essential vitamins, this simple yet satisfying grilled seafood dish is ideal for outdoor feasts or a light dinner at home. Elevate your seafood game with this easy-to-follow guide!
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Ingredients
  

8 fresh sardines, cleaned and scaled

2 lemons (1 for juice, 1 sliced)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Sea salt to taste

Optional: Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, minced garlic, black pepper, and a pinch of sea salt. This will be your marinade.

    Marinate the Sardines: Place the cleaned sardines in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. If you have time, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 hours.

      Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.

        Prep for Grilling: While the grill is heating, take the remaining lemon and slice it into thin rounds. You can also prepare skewers if you'd like to grill the sardines on skewers.

          Grill the Sardines: Place the marinated sardines directly on the grill grates (or skewers) and top with lemon slices. Grill the sardines for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are crispy on the outside and cooked through.

            Garnish: Once done, remove the sardines from the grill and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired.

              Serve: Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Pepper Grilled Sardines!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 4 servings