20 Gourmet Recipes for Canned Sardines: Tasty and Creative Meals (2024)

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.

Welcome to our curated roundup of tasty gourmet recipes for canned sardines that can help you create affordable yet delectable dishes on any budget!

20 Canned Sardine Recipes: A Roundup of 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!