Venture into the world of seafood dishes with this delightful and easy-to-prepare Broiled Sardines with Mustard-Shallot Crumbs recipe. This concoction brings you the healthful benefits and palatable taste of sardines, complemented by the robust flavors of mustard, shallots, and a hint of red pepper. The dish is finished off with the crunch of oven-broiled breadcrumbs, adding a textural dimension to this nutritiously hearty meal.
This recipe calls for canned sardines in olive oil, a staple found in most supermarkets. However, do pay attention to the quality of sardines you purchase, as it greatly affects the dish's outcome. Select brands that use high-quality olive oil. The recipe also includes whole grain mustard, which provides a more textured consistency and robust flavor compared to regular mustard. If you cannot find this at your local store, Dijon mustard could serve as a substitute.
Ingredients Required for Broiled Sardines with Mustard-Shallot Crumbs
Bread crumbs: These add a crunchy texture to the dish, contrasting with the soft sardines.
Whole grain mustard: Adds a tangy and spicy flavor that complements the sardines.
Parsley: Used for garnishing and adding a fresh element to the dish.
Unsalted butter: Gives a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
Shallot: Adds a mild and sweet flavor.
Red pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the dish.
Salt: Enhances all other flavors. Adjust as per your taste.
Heavy Cream: Helps create a creamy and rich base for the dish.
Sardines in olive oil: The star ingredient. They are delicious and rich in nutrients.
One reader, Dorolice Schmitz says:
The broiled sardines with mustard-shallot crumbs recipe was a delightful surprise! The combination of flavors was outstanding, and the sardines were perfectly cooked. The mustard-shallot crumbs added a delicious crunch. It's a must-try for seafood lovers!
Culinary Techniques for Preparing Broiled Sardines
Preheat the broiler: Preheat the broiler in your oven to ensure it's hot and ready for broiling the sardines.
Combine the bread crumbs with mustard, parsley, butter, shallot, and crushed red pepper: Mix the bread crumbs with whole grain mustard, parsley, butter, shallot, and crushed red pepper in a medium bowl until well combined.
Season lightly with salt: Sprinkle a small amount of salt over the bread crumb mixture to enhance the flavors.
Whisk the heavy cream with mustard in a baking dish: In a medium, shallow baking dish, whisk together the heavy cream and whole grain mustard until well combined.
Arrange the sardines in the baking dish, skin side down: Place the sardines in the prepared baking dish, positioning them skin side down for even cooking.
Scatter the bread-crumb mixture on top of the sardines: Evenly distribute the prepared bread-crumb mixture over the sardines in the baking dish.
Broil the sardines: Place the baking dish about 6 inches from the heat source and broil the sardines for 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until they are heated through and the bread crumbs are golden brown.
Serve at once: Serve the broiled sardines with mustard-shallot crumbs immediately while they are hot and flavorful.
How To Make Broiled Sardines with Mustard-Shallot Crumbs
Jazz up your canned fish with this recipe for broiled sardines. The flavors are intense, thanks to the mustard-cream sauce with parsley and red pepper.
Serves:
Ingredients
- cupfine dry bread crumbs
- 2½tbspwhole grain mustard
- 2tbspparsley,chopped
- 1½tbspunsalted butter
- 1smallshallot
- ¼tspred pepper,crushed
- salt
- ½cupheavy cream
- 4canssardines in olive oil,large
Instructions
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Preheat the broiler. In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs with 1½ tablespoons of the mustard, the parsley, butter, shallot and crushed red pepper. Season lightly with salt.
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In a medium, shallow baking dish, whisk the heavy cream with the remaining 1 tablespoon of mustard.
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Arrange the sardines in the baking dish, skin side down. Scatter the bread-crumb mixture on top.
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Broil the sardines 6 inches from the heat for 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until heated through and golden brown.
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Serve at once.
Nutrition
- Calories: 345.96kcal
- Fat: 26.21g
- Saturated Fat: 11.02g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.08g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.39g
- Carbohydrates: 3.21g
- Fiber: 0.78g
- Sugar: 1.73g
- Protein: 23.98g
- Cholesterol: 182.85mg
- Sodium: 403.98mg
- Calcium: 384.52mg
- Potassium: 447.95mg
- Iron: 3.09mg
- Vitamin A: 196.93µg
- Vitamin C: 3.78mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting the Mustard-Shallot Crumbs
When preparing the sardines, ensure they are thoroughly drained from the olive oil before arranging them in the baking dish. This will prevent the dish from becoming overly greasy and will allow the mustard-shallot crumbs to adhere better to the sardines, resulting in a more flavorful and crispy topping.
Time-Saving Hacks for This Sardine Recipe
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe before starting to cook. This will save time and make the cooking process more efficient.
Use pre-prepped ingredients: Utilize pre-prepped ingredients such as pre-chopped vegetables or pre-cooked grains to cut down on prep time and streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering or boiling, to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for tools or ingredients.
Plan ahead: Plan your meals and create a cooking schedule to make the most of your time in the kitchen and avoid last-minute stress.
Substitute Ingredients For Broiled Sardines with Mustard-Shallot Crumbs Recipe
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fine dry bread crumbs – Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and lighter, providing a crispier texture and better absorption of flavors.
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whole grain mustard – Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a similar tangy flavor with a smoother texture, making it a suitable alternative.
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parsley – Substitute with chopped cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, citrusy flavor that can complement the dish in a similar way to parsley.
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unsalted butter – Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a rich flavor and moisture, while also being a healthier alternative to butter.
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shallot – Substitute with red onion: Red onion can offer a slightly milder flavor compared to shallots, but it still provides a delicious aromatic element to the dish.
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red pepper – Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild, smoky flavor and vibrant color, similar to red pepper.
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heavy cream – Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor, adding a unique twist to the dish.
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sardines in olive oil – Substitute with mackerel fillets: Mackerel fillets have a similar rich, oily texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable replacement for sardines.
Plating Ideas for Broiled Sardines with Mustard-Shallot Crumbs
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Elevate the sardines: Gently arrange the sardines on the plate, ensuring they are positioned with precision and care to showcase their natural beauty.
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Garnish with mustard-shallot crumbs: Sprinkle the mustard-shallot crumbs around the sardines, creating an artful and visually appealing presentation.
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Incorporate fresh herbs: Introduce a touch of vibrant green by scattering freshly chopped parsley around the dish, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
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Consider the plate selection: Choose a minimalist, elegant plate to allow the sardines and mustard-shallot crumbs to take center stage, creating a sophisticated and refined presentation.
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Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the dish with a focus on symmetry and balance, creating a visually harmonious and aesthetically pleasing composition.
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Highlight the golden brown crust: Ensure the golden brown crust of the sardines is prominently displayed, drawing attention to the expert broiling technique and adding a touch of culinary artistry to the presentation.
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Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the sardines and mustard-shallot crumbs to stand out and capture the attention of the discerning culinary professionals.
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Create a refined sauce drizzle: Consider delicately drizzling a small amount of the cream and mustard mixture around the plate, adding a touch of finesse and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Sardine Dish
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Oven: An essential appliance for baking, roasting, and broiling a wide variety of dishes.
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Medium bowl: Used for mixing ingredients and preparing dressings or marinades.
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Whisk: A utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into mixtures.
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Shallow baking dish: Ideal for baking and roasting, providing a wide surface area for even cooking.
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Broiler: A high-heat cooking method that uses direct radiant heat to cook food quickly and give it a crispy texture.
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Knife: Essential for slicing and chopping ingredients with precision.
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Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
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Measuring spoons: Used for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients.
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Measuring cup: Essential for accurately measuring liquid and dry ingredients.
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Baking sheet: A versatile kitchen tool used for baking, roasting, and broiling various dishes.
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Spatula: Used for flipping and turning food items, such as sardines, during cooking.
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Wine glasses: For serving and enjoying the recommended wine pairing.
Reheating Leftover Broiled Sardines: Tips and Tricks
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gentle heat will warm the sardines without drying them out or causing the bread crumbs to burn.
- Place the leftover broiled sardines in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the sardines are stuck together, gently separate them to ensure even reheating.
- Cover the dish or baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will help to retain moisture and prevent the bread crumbs from becoming too crispy or burnt.
- Place the covered dish or baking sheet in the preheated oven and reheat for 8-10 minutes, or until the sardines are warmed through. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your sardines.
- If you prefer a crispier texture for the mustard-shallot crumbs, remove the foil during the last 2-3 minutes of reheating. This will allow the bread crumbs to crisp up slightly without burning.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the sardines in a microwave. Place the sardines on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, checking the temperature between each interval, until the sardines are heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sardines to become rubbery.
- Once the broiled sardines are reheated, let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and ensure that the sardines are not too hot to eat.
- Serve the reheated broiled sardines with mustard-shallot crumbs immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy your delicious, warm, and flavorful leftover sardines!
Interesting Trivia About Sardines and This Recipe
The broiled sardines with mustard-shallot crumbs recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish. It combines the rich flavors of sardines with the tangy kick of whole grain mustard and the aromatic essence of shallots. This dish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making it a healthy choice for a meal. The combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please seafood lovers. The recipe also pairs well with a tart Italian white wine, such as the 2002 Kris Pinot Grigio or the 2002 Anselmi Capitel Foscarino. Enjoy this sardine dish as a delightful and nutritious addition to your culinary repertoire.
Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Sardine Dish Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this broiled sardines with mustard-shallot crumbs recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. Sardines are generally affordable and packed with nutrients, making them a cost-effective protein option. The additional ingredients such as mustard, shallots, and bread crumbs are also relatively inexpensive. Considering the nutritional value and the overall cost, this recipe could be rated 8/10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly and nutritious meal option.
Is This Sardine Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The broiled sardines with mustard-shallot crumbs recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function. They are also rich in protein, vitamin D, and calcium. The use of parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and provides additional vitamins and minerals.
However, the recipe also includes some less healthy ingredients. Heavy cream is high in saturated fat and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease if consumed in excess. The bread crumbs and butter also add additional calories and fat to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt, to reduce the overall fat and calorie content
- Use whole wheat bread crumbs instead of white bread crumbs to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients
- Reduce the amount of butter used in the bread crumb mixture, or replace it with a healthier fat source, such as olive oil
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes, to increase the nutrient density and provide additional fiber and vitamins
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious meal that still showcases the delicious flavor of the broiled sardines. Experimenting with different herbs and spices, such as dill, lemon zest, or smoked paprika, can also help to elevate the dish without relying on unhealthy ingredients.
Our Editor's Opinion on Broiled Sardines with Mustard-Shallot Crumbs
As a culinary expert, I find the broiled sardines with mustard-shallot crumbs recipe to be a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The whole grain mustard and shallot crumbs add a zesty and aromatic element to the dish, complementing the richness of the sardines. The use of heavy cream provides a luscious and indulgent touch, while the broiling process creates a crispy and golden brown topping. This dish is a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes, making it an excellent choice for a sophisticated seafood entrée. The wine recommendations provided are spot-on, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Why trust this Broiled Sardines with Mustard-Shallot Crumbs Recipe:
This broiled sardines with mustard-shallot crumbs recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of sardines in olive oil with a zesty whole grain mustard and shallot crumb topping creates a mouthwatering dish. The use of fine dry bread crumbs adds a satisfying crunch, while the addition of parsley and red pepper provides a burst of freshness and heat. The inclusion of heavy cream adds a creamy element, elevating the overall dish. Trust in the harmonious balance of ingredients and the quick broiling method to deliver a delectable and satisfying meal.
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