By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 3, 2026
Serves 3
197 cal · 20 min
Grilled Sardines in Herb Ghee
Recipe GLPR14813478d5ffe2
Whole sardines rubbed with a fragrant herb ghee made from garlic, marjoram, and thyme, then grilled over high heat until the skin crisps and the flesh is tender. Finished with fresh lemon juice and served as an elegant appetizer or light starter.
Save recipes you love
Create a free Grocery List Plus account to save recipes, rate them, and add every ingredient to your grocery list in one tap.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons grass-fed ghee or butter, softened
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 teaspoons fresh marjoram, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
1 Juice of 1 lemon
6 whole large fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted
Coarse sea salt to taste
Cracked black pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat your grill to high heat.
In a small bowl, combine the softened ghee, minced garlic, chopped marjoram, and chopped thyme. Mix thoroughly with a fork until well blended.
Pat the sardines dry and place on a clean work surface. Generously coat the inside cavities and exterior of each sardine with the herb-ghee mixture.
Season the outside of each sardine with coarse salt and cracked black pepper.
Place the prepared sardines in a grill basket. Grill over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until the skin is crispy and charred in spots and the flesh flakes easily when tested with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for doneness.
Transfer the grilled sardines to a serving platter and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately while hot.
Comments
Sardines and fresh herbs are reliably stocked at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and Kroger; ghee is at every major Charlotte grocer including ALDI and Walmart at $5–8 for a usable jar. The stated 20 minutes is honest for grilling time alone, though you'll need 5–10 minutes more to clarify ghee and prep fish. At $2–3 per can of sardines (or $4–6 fresh), cost per serving lands near $3–4 before sides, making this a lean protein weeknight. The dish is straightforward and hands-off on the grill, but leftovers are best eaten the same night; reheated sardines lose appeal. A quick, high-protein meal that suits someone who already buys canned fish, though fresh whole sardines are not a Charlotte staple and may require a specialty stop.
Sign in or create a free account to add your review.
