Name: Spanish Sardines on Toast with Garlic, Chilli, and Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 garlic clove, chopped; 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped; 1 lemon, zest and juice; 2 x 120g cans sardines in sunflower oil, drained; Half small bunch parsley, chopped; 4 slices brown bread

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Spanish sardines on toast is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining zesty lemon, spicy chilli, and fresh parsley, this recipe elevates canned sardines into a delicious, satisfying meal.

The image shows three pieces of toasted brown bread placed on a white rectangular board over a white marbled surface with a striped blue and white cloth on the side. Each slice has two shiny, silver sardines laid side by side on top. The sardines are garnished with small pieces of chopped red chili, green herbs, and bits of garlic, adding spots of red and green color against the silver fish and the golden-brown toast. The textures are varied, with the rough, crispy bread and the smooth, slightly oily fish skin. The overall look is fresh and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 x 120g cans sardines in sunflower oil, drained
4 slices brown bread
Half small bunch parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and red chilli, cooking until fragrant but not browned, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest.
Step 2: Add the drained sardines to the pan and gently heat through for a few minutes until warm, breaking them up slightly with a spoon.
Step 3: While the sardines warm, toast the brown bread slices until golden and crisp.
Step 4: Remove the pan from heat, stir the chopped parsley into the sardines, and squeeze over the lemon juice. Mix gently to combine.
Step 5: Spoon the sardine mixture evenly over the toasted bread slices and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use crusty white bread instead of brown for a lighter texture and flavor.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chopped capers for extra depth.
For a milder option, reduce or omit the red chilli.
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a fuller meal.

Storage

Store any leftover sardine mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving. Toast the bread fresh to keep it crisp.

How to Serve

Two pieces of toasted bread are laid on a white marbled surface with a white cloth with blue stripes nearby. Each toast is topped with two silver sardines placed side by side, with their shiny, slightly oily skin visible. The sardines rest on a layer of green herbs and finely chopped red and yellow peppers, adding small bright pops of color. The bread has a dark, crispy crust and a coarse, rustic texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh sardines instead of canned?

Yes, fresh sardines can be used but will require cleaning and cooking. Grill or pan-fry fresh sardines separately before assembling on toast.

Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?

Absolutely. This dish takes just 10 minutes to prepare, making it a great option for a fast, nutritious meal.