Sardines a La Plancha

Ingredients

Fresh sardines

12-16, cleaned and scaled

Olive oil

2 tablespoons, plus extra for brushing

Sea salt

1 teaspoon, or to taste

Lemon wedges

4, for serving

Fresh parsley

2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat a griddle or large frying pan over high heat until very hot, ideally around 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the fresh sardines under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they grill well.
3. Using a brush, lightly coat both sides of the sardines with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly covered to prevent sticking.
4. Sprinkle sea salt generously over the sardines, enhancing their natural flavor.
5. Carefully place the sardines on the hot griddle, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
6. Using tongs, gently flip the sardines and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until cooked through and the flesh is opaque.
7. Remove the sardines from the griddle and arrange them on a serving platter.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color, if desired, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.