It is considered to be a ‘fishy’ fish that can put people off. However, some people enjoy its distinctive taste and aroma.
It is also a very affordable fish that can be bought in a tin, or as a fresh fish. This also makes it a readily available fish that can be eaten in many different dishes.
However, while sardines do have a distinctive taste, and they are great for those on a budget, what does a sardine actually taste like?
One thing that should be noted is that sardines do have a very strong taste, and you can smell them being cooked a mile away.
However, they are not that nice to look at. This can immediately put people off.
So, why do people choose to eat them? When cooked well, they can taste very delicious. They also have a whole host of health benefits.
Read on to find out more about sardines, from what they taste like, and how they are beneficial for your health.
What Is A Sardine?
Sardines are oily fish that are also known as pilchards. Sardines are generally considered to be a ‘forage’ type of fish.
This is because they are small, and are food or bait for large sized fish who are their main predators.
Humans are also one of their predators. Many people enjoy eating fish like sardines due to their taste and their nutritious elements.
The sardines themselves are a member of the Clupeidae family due to being classed as a ray-finned type. Other fish that belong to this group are herrings, hilsa, menhadens, and shads.
While they are considered to be known as a pilchard, the name sardine comes from the 15th century when sardines were commonly found on the island of Sardinia.
They were found in abundance.
These days, sardines are commonly referred to as a tinned fish. While tuna may be mashed, a sardine is often still in its full form ready to be cooked.
However, you can buy fresh sardines too. Both are delicious, especially when cooked well. You will also find that sardines have many nutrients too which is always a bonus.
If you like anchovies, which are another tinned fish, you may also enjoy sardines. So, let’s take a look at how they taste.
What Does A Sardine Taste Like?
The taste of a sardine is similar to other fish in the fact that it often feels like we are eating something straight out of the ocean. This is due to it having a fishy taste.
However, a sardine has a very strong fishy flavor, unlike cod which does not. If you like the taste of fish, then a sardine will be right up your street.
If you are not a fan of really strong fishy flavors, then you might want to give sardines a miss.
If you do decide not to sample sardines, then you may be missing out on its amazing flavor when cooked well.
If you want to know more about the flavor of sardines, then read on. There is a lot to know about this unique taste of a popular fish.
Sardines have a very similar flavor profile to herring, except the flavors are slightly richer. It also depends on the kind of sardines you are eating.
For example, sardines straight out of a can are saltier, and the texture of fish is quite meaty. For this reason, the fishy smell and taste is often even stronger and can give a terrible first impression.
Fresh sardines are still fishy, but less strong. This may be the best route to go if you have never had them before.
Are There Health Benefits To Eating Sardines?
Sardines, whether fresh or canned, have a whole host of health benefits. This makes them a great fish to consume.
We are supposed to eat oily fish once or twice a week to reap the benefits. This is because oily fish, like sardines, include omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for brain health.
Sardines also include vitamins B-12 and D, which are great for healthy skin, hair and eyes.
There are also plenty of minerals as well as calcium too within sardines, which is good for forming and maintaining strong bones.
Adding sardines to your diet is a good way of increasing your uptake of essential nutrients without having to resort to pills.
Getting your health benefits from the source also means you can enjoy eating a delicious dish at the same time.
How Should You Cook A Sardine?
If you buy sardines in a can, then they do not need anything special done to them. They have essentially been ‘cooked’, and only need a light grilling, though this is optional.
Usually canned sardines are preserved in something salty, though you can buy canned sardines in water or olive oil too. Doing so means that there is less fat and less extra ingredients.
If you buy fresh sardines, then you may need to remove the scales, fins, head and anything inside the fish. If this worries you, then you can buy fresh fish that has been prepared.
How To Serve A Sardine?
Because sardines have a strong flavor, you may want to add them to a dish. Here are some great examples:
Pasta Filling
Adding sardines to a pasta salad keeps it extra fresh.
All you need to do is make the pasta as you normally would, and then grill some canned sardines. You can then mix them together and enjoy.
Sardine Curry
A sardine curry is a great way of masking some of that fishy flavor for newbies. Use a pasta sauce to cook the sardines, and add in herbs and spices. It will be a delicious take on a basic curry.
Sardine Salad
A sardine salad is a light and easy way to consume an oily fish. For this one, you can have fun creating a simple base for a salad.
To add the sardines, lightly roast them in oil and then toss them into the salad. Just remember to move the bones for an easier bite.
Final Thoughts
Sardines can be an intimidating fish despite their small size. It is often the smell and the way they look that puts people off first.
While a sardine does have a very strong flavor that is reminiscent of the sea, if cooked well, it can taste delicious.
Sardines are very healthy due to being categorized as an oily fish. This means that they have essential omega-3 fatty acids that are great for brain health.
They also include a number of vitamins and minerals too. These will help to keep your skin, hair and heart healthy.
Before you say no to trying sardines because of their fishy taste and aroma, it is worth noting that fresh sardines rather than canned may be better for you.
Add them to a delicious curry, or put them into a pasta dish for lunch.
There is a good chance that you will change your mind.
What Does A Sardine Taste Like? Does A Sardine Taste Good?
Recipe by AubreyCourse: Taste Like
Servings
4
servings
Prep time
30
minutes
Cooking time
40
minutes
Calories
300
kcal
Ingredients
Sardine
Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Directions
If you buy sardines in a can, then they do not need anything special done to them. They have essentially been ‘cooked’, and only need a light grilling, though this is optional.
Usually canned sardines are preserved in something salty, though you can buy canned sardines in water or olive oil too. Doing so means that there is less fat and less extra ingredients.
If you buy fresh sardines, then you may need to remove the scales, fins, head and anything inside the fish. If this worries you, then you can buy fresh fish that has been prepared.
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
