Sardines Farcies
Stuffed Sardines
A classic Moroccan coastal dish featuring fresh sardines generously stuffed with a vibrant chermoula mixture, then lightly coated and fried to a golden crisp. This recipe elevates simple sardines into an elegant appetizer or light main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 16 Fresh sardines
- 100 g Chermoula(Homemade or good quality store-bought. This is a traditional Moroccan marinade/sauce typically made with cilantro, parsley, garlic, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, and olive oil.)
- 1/2 cup Bread crumbs(Panko bread crumbs are recommended for extra crispiness.)
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour(For dredging the sardines.)
- for frying Vegetable oil or olive oil(Enough for shallow frying, about 1-2 cm deep in the pan.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sardines: Ensure the sardines are thoroughly cleaned, scaled, and have their heads and tails removed. Carefully butterfly each sardine by making a cut along the backbone and removing it, while keeping the belly intact. Rinse the opened sardines under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This drying step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 2
Stuff the sardines: Lay the butterflied sardines flat, skin-side down. Generously spread about 1-2 tablespoons of chermoula onto one half of each sardine. Be careful not to overfill, as it will spill out during cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 3
Assemble and coat: Take another prepared sardine and place it on top of the chermoula-filled sardine, creating a sandwich with the skin sides facing outwards. Gently press the edges together. Set up a dredging station: one shallow dish with flour, a second with the beaten egg, and a third with bread crumbs. Dredge each sardine sandwich first in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, press the sardine into the bread crumbs, coating both sides evenly. Place the coated sardines on a plate or tray.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 4
Fry the sardines: Heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of breadcrumbs sizzles immediately upon contact. Carefully place the coated sardines into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the fish is cooked through. The sardines should flake easily with a fork.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes per batch - 5
Drain and serve: Using a slotted spoon or spatula, carefully remove the fried sardines from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. They are excellent with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use the freshest sardines possible for the best flavor and texture.
- ✓Ensure the sardines are completely dry before coating for optimal crispiness.
- ✓Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve an even golden-brown crust.
- ✓Chermoula can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Baked version: Instead of frying, arrange the coated sardines on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Different stuffing: Experiment with other fillings such as finely chopped herbs, capers, olives, or a mixture of minced seafood.