Learn to cook the Portuguese dish that closes down Lisbon

“Sardines are so highly thought of as a dish that in June of each year, they shut down many Lisbon streets as locals and visitors alike celebrate the Lisbon Sardine Festival in honor of Saint Anthony, its patron saint. ”

During the festival, you will find delicious grilled sardines at grill stations throughout the city.

If you miss the festival, don’t worry as these famous sardines are served at many restaurants. Fresh sardines are available between May and October. However, if you’re not planning on going to Lisbon, you can try grilled sardines at home with our favorite grilled sardine recipe.

Ingredients

● 8 large sardines (750g or 26oz)

● 1 tbsp vegetable oil

● 1 tbsp coarse salt

● vegetable oil to grease the BBQ grates

Instructions

1. Preheat the BBQ to around 450 ºF.

2. Place the sardines on a large plate or baking sheet (this is only to reduce the mess).

3. Use some paper towels to dry the sardines.

4. Drizzle the tbsp of vegetable oil over the sardines and spread the oil over both sides.

5. Sprinkle the salt evenly over all 8 sardines on both sides.

6. Open the BBQ lid and reduce one or two middle burners to the lowest setting. Make sure to leave the two end burners on to keep the BBQ hot.

7. Place the sardines over the grates where the burners are low and close the lid.

8. Cook for about 3 minutes. Open the lid occasionally to see if there is a lot of flaring. If you see a lot of flames, shut off one of the burners and carefully move the sardines over the burner you shut off to reduce flaring.

9. Turn the sardines and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, checking occasionally for large flames.

10. The sardines are ready to eat. Enjoy!

In Portugal, sardines are often served with boiled potatoes, a green salad and with corn bread - not to make a sandwich out of, but so it soaks up the flavors and oils. What remains after the sardines are eaten is delicious bread that just needs a glass of Portuguese wine to wash it down with.

Explore the Seafood and Tradition in Lisbon’s Port Zone

Explore the people and places around the Lisbon port district, where old traditions die hard and the day’s catch is always the discussion. Spend the day in search of the very best seasonal bounty of the sea, sampling several preparations of fish and seafood in a variety of neighborhood institutions.

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