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Grilled Sardines with Aioli

Image may contain Animal Fish Herring Sea Life Food Dish Meal and Sardine
Christopher Testani

Sardines can be a hard sell. Which is fine! Smoked trout, gravlax, or even grilled shrimp would be great too.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 Servings

Ingredients

1 garlic clove
Kosher salt
1 large egg yolk
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
4 sardines, cleaned
Parsley leaves with tender stems (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Using the side of a chef’s knife, mash garlic and a pinch of salt to a paste on a cutting board. Transfer to a small bowl and add egg yolk and mustard; mix well. Whisking constantly, add ⅓ cup oil, drop by drop at first, then ⅛-teaspoonful at a time as mixture emulsifies and thickens. (Do not add oil too quickly or aioli will break and oil will separate.) Stir in lemon juice; season aioli with salt and pepper.

    Step 2

    Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Place sardines on a plate and drizzle remaining 1 Tbsp. oil over; season with salt and pepper. Grill until browned and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer sardines to a platter and top with parsley. Serve with aioli.

    Step 3

    Do Ahead: Aioli can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

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