Elevate the humble canned sardines into this crunchy and fresh open-faced sardine sandwich with a kick! It's our superstar mouthwatering sandwich for a quick protein rich lunch or dinner on a busy day.
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SARDINE SANDWICH RECIPE
This sandwich takes it up a notch yet it's completely realistic and achievable to make with ingredients you likely have on hand. It will easily become one of your favorite canned sardine recipes.
This sardine bread sammy has a little kick from the spicy mayo, which we pair often with canned sardines. Something about the creamy flavor-rich hot sauce creates a balance that pairs so well with these little fish! Combining that with cucumber and tomatoes that are kitchen staples, is the perfect crunch on top. I like to use toasted bread to add an extra crunch and create a stable surface.
These little fish have more going for them than against them. They're full of nutrients, protein, fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals - which is one of the biggest perks of eating seafood in general. My favorite perk, is that they're shelf stable and can easily be whipped up for a quick protein rich and healthy meal.
We love quick and easy meals and have quite a few of quick seafood recipes on here, and canned seafood makes it much easier when you have just a few minutes to prepare a quick meal with minimal effort. Some of my favorites are this tuna pesto pasta, tuna dip, and this tuna melt wrap.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
- FAST & EASY! Seriously, this one of my go-to trusted recipes to whip up for a last minutes dinner or a quick lunch. It's full of flavor and nutritious with minimal ingredients that you already have in your fridge.
- HEALTHY. Sardines are high in Omega-3s, and with the added veggies you're getting a nutritious, and super simple sandwich. Win win!
- FLAVORS WORK WELL TOGETHER. The best condiment pairing for canned sardines is.... hot sauce, from personal experience. They're a popular go-to snack in my household and we're found a good hot sauce gives them added flavor and a little kick that pairs well. So, it was a natural condiment to use in this sandwich.
- CRUNCHY! The toasted bread is a must, but also adding sliced cucumber compliments the fish by creating a fresh and crunchy element.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
- BREAD. Preferably sourdough because that's a go-to in our household to provide added flavor. Any other artisan or sliced bread will work, so go with your favorite. Make sure you have butter or oil on hand to toast the bread.
- CANNED SARDINES. Preferably, use a tin that's packed in oil. They provide a more rich and smooth taste, and added flavor to the sandwich.
- VEGGIES. You'll need sliced cucumber, sliced tomatoes, and diced green onions that's sprinkled on top for added flavor and of course, a little pop of color.
- CONDIMENTS. You'll need mayo, and sriracha, or another hot sauce of your choice. The sauce is slightly spicy, not too overboard and creates the perfect flavor balance between the fresh veggies and the flavor-rich sardines.
HOW TO MAKE A SARDINE SANDWICH
First, you'll want to toast the bread. Slather salted butter, and toast to your liking.
While the bread is toasting, let's whip up the spicy mayo sauce. In a small bowl, add the mayo and hot sauce, I like to use sriracha. Mix until well combined.
Slice cucumbers thinly, and the beef steak tomatoes. Open the tin of sardines and drain excess oil.
To the toast, add a good slather of sauce, then top with cucumber, then tomato slices. Using a fork, carefully scoop the sardines from the tin and top them to the sandwich. Sprinkle diced green onions to top.
Top with a squeeze of lemon or hot sauce, is optional.
If you prefer to close the sandwich, then top with another piece of toast with sauce on it.
EXPERT TIPS
- Make and serve immediately. Enjoy the sandwich fresh!
- Use quality sardines. The highlight in this absolutely delicious sandwich is the canned sardines. Choosing a good quality brand will make all the difference to elevating canned sardine recipes.
- Seeking more flavor? Add a squeeze of lemon or hot sauce for extra flavor. You can't go wrong with hot sauce on sardines, it's one of my favorite way to enjoy them.
SERVING TIPS
Serve as a quick lunch with a side of roasted potatoes, chips, or a side salad. Another fun way to serve is making them smaller to serve as an appetizer. You can cut the bread slice in half or by ¼ after toasting to make into apps.
VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Add other veggies like lettuce or micro greens.
- Not into spicy? Use a dijon mustard instead of hot sauce.
- Love avocado? Me too! Add it on the sandwich or substitute it with another veggie.
- Use another type of bread instead of sourdough in this sandwich.
FAQ
Canned sardines can be eaten as much as a couple times each week. Though, the exact amount will depend on your health conditions, and dietary restrictions. They often pack a high level of sodium to be aware of. They're also highly nutritious and can provide omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Yes. While canned sardines are convenient and readily available, you can use fresh sardines if you prefer. Just make sure to clean and debone them before adding them into your sandwich.
Yes. You can make them at most an hour before serving and storing them in the fridge. Making them any earlier than that may cause the bread to become soggy from the sauce and veggies. To keep the entire sandwich as fresh as possible, make it as close to serving as possible.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
- Appetizer: I love pairing this with hummus, or mutabal.
- Side Dish: Try this Fried Feta and Strawberry Salad alongside!
- Drink: Pair this recipe with this spicy mango margarita, or this blueberry lemon drop martini! Or try a dry white wine, like a Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, or Viognier. Cheers!
OTHER CANNED & TINNED RECIPES
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Sardine Sandwich with Spicy Mayo
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread , or use your favorite bread
- 1 tablespoon salted butter , to toast bread
- 1 tin canned sardines packed in oil 3.75oz
- ½ cucumber
- 1 whole beef steak tomato
- 3 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 ½ teaspoon sriracha or another hot sauce
- 1 stalk green onion , diced
Instructions
- Start by slathering the salted butter on the bread and toast to your liking.
- While the bread is toasting, whip up the spicy mayo sauce. In a small bowl, add the mayo and hot sauce, I like to use sriracha. Mix until well combined.
- Slice cucumbers thinly, and the beef steak tomato. Open the tin of sardines and drain excess oil.
- To the toast, add a good slather of sauce, then top with cucumber, then tomato slices. Using a fork, carefully scoop the sardines from the tin and top them to the sandwich. Sprinkle diced green onions to top.
- Top with a squeeze of lemon or hot sauce, is optional.
- If you prefer to close the sandwich, then top with another piece of toast with sauce on it.
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