When it comes to budget meals, canned sardines are often overlooked. But why not take a second look at this budget-friendly seafood option? With our collection of delicious and creative recipes for canned sardines, you’ll be sure to find something that will please your taste buds – without breaking the bank!
From light salads and hearty chilis, to flavorful pasta dishes and tasty sandwiches, these recipes show how you can make amazing meals with canned sardines for a fraction of the cost.
Oh! Those wonderful little packages of delicious goodness include lots of health benefits, vitamins, and nutrients. And, they can be included in a myriad of different recipes!
Craving something flavorful and filling, but don’t have a lot of money to spare?
If you thought canned sardines were only good for a quick snack, think again – with the right ingredients and recipes, you can transform these inexpensive treats into delicious and nutritious meals. And, check out this beautiful serving dish Glass Sardine Plate (paid link).
Welcome to our curated roundup of tasty gourmet recipes for canned sardines that can help you create affordable yet delectable dishes on any budget!
Canned Sardine Recipes–20 Tasty and Creative Meals
Before we dive straight into these recipes, I feel like we should talk a little bit about some frequently asked questions regarding canned sardines. Because you might be surprised!
Are Sardines a Healthy Fish?
Sardines are full of lots of healthy ingredients, including (but not limited to):
- Calcium
- Iron
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Potassium
- Vitamin Bs
- Vitamin D
What Kind of Fish is a Sardine?
Sardines are a member of the herring family. Other small herringlike fish that are canned can also be referred to as sardines.
How Often can I Safely Eat Canned Sardines?
According to the FDA, it is safe for an adult to eat 8 to 12 ounces of sardines per week. That would equate to about two or three servings per week.
Are Sardines Healthier Than Tuna?
Both tuna and sardines are healthy foods. One difference is that sardines are lower in mercury than tuna, so that makes sardines healthier.
What do Sardines Taste Like?
Sardines are a fish, so do have a bit of a fishy flavor that is mild. The texture is meaty. Some say there is nothing else that compares to the nutrient-rich little powerhouses.
Are Sardines in a Can Cooked or Raw?
Canned sardines are always cooked. The process is that the fishies are washed and the heads are removed. Then, they are either deep fried, smoked, or steamed. Next, they are dried. Lastly, they get packed in one of these:
- Chili Sauce
- Mustard Sauce
- Olive Oil
- Soybean Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Tomato Sauce
- Water
What is the Healthiest Way to Eat Sardines?
Here are a few healthy ways to eat sardines:
- As part of a salad, with homemade avocado dressing
- As part of an omelette
- Made into fried rice
- Made into salad (sort of like tuna salad) with mayo, mustard, and pickles
- On a cracker with cheese
- On toast
- Straight from the can
- Straight from the can with a little lemon juice
- With avocado slices and lemon juice
- With cottage cheese and Tabasco sauce
- With scrambled eggs and hollandaise sauce
Now, on to the recipes!
20 Canned Sardine Recipes
Sardines are healthy and delicious!
These delish sardine salad lettuce wraps are low carb, and full of protein and other healthy nutrients!
This amazing Spanish omelette includes sardines and is chock full of protein and healthy nutrients!
Gluten free and paleo friendly! These scrumptious sardine cakes are just what the doctor ordered.
This sardine sandwich is not only tasty, but it's also a work of art. It is sometimes served for special occasion lunches.
Sardines on toast are a quick and easy appetizer or snack. In addition to being healthy, they are also scrumpdillyumptious!
Cauliflower toast, Mediterranean gremolata is a great way to dress up a can of sardines. Not to mention that this is super delicious, too!
This chickpea and roasted pepper salad really sets off the fantastic flavor of the sardines!
This sardine salad is a wonderful change from the "usual" salad. You can mix it up with veggies, yogurt, mayo, and spices to make a truly unusual taste. Add jalapenos for a little spiciness!
Toasted tortillas with mashed and seasoned avocado, and sardines. What a treat--and, you can put it together in less than 10 minutes!
Break up those sardines with a fork, stir in chopped veggies and lemon juice, then be as generous with the hot sauce as you'd like. You'll love this dip served with plantain chips or crackers!
Sardine fried rice sounds great! This meal is just so easy, and can be ready to serve in less than 30 minutes! What a delicious way to dine on a weekday!
This recipe includes bucatini pasta, sardines, and fennel. If you love the fennel and sardine flavors, you are going to really enjoy this dish!
Sardine spread that includes cream cheese, mustard, and veggies. Serve it on bagels or crackers for an appetizer or snack...yummmmy!
This is a fantastic recipe for focaccia bread with all the yumminess of sardines, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. You need to give this one a try!
Sweet caramelized onion gives this sardine pate a distinctive and delicious flavor.
This paleo friendly sardine and pasta dish is fantastic! the Bolognese sauce with red wine, sun-dried and fresh tomatoes is unforgettable!
Homemade pizza dough made of couscous and topped with tomatoes and sardines. I may have found a new favorite dish! You'll have to try it, too!
This spicy sardine sandwich can be ready to eat in less than 15 minutes! Have it for breakfast, lunch, supper, or a snack...your choice!
Sardines, Laughing Cow cheese, olive oil, and mustard...that's all you need to create this delicious cream of sardines. Add salmon slivers for garnish...you'll be in love with this dish. It can be served as a snack or appetizer.
A new twist on an old idea...macaroni and cheese with sardines! You'll love this delicious dish!