Can I use tinned sardines?
No — this recipe requires fresh sardines. The dish depends on rolling the fish around the stuffing, which only works with whole, fresh fish.
Italian · dinner
Sarde a Beccafico
#italian#fish#dinner#chef:marco#sicilian
50m
Total time
4
Servings
380
kcal
medium
Difficulty
May 18, 2026
INGREDIENTS.
4
Fish
- 700 g (~12–14 fish) fresh sardines, cleaned and butterflied
- 3 anchovy fillets in oil
Pantry
- 80 g stale white breadcrumbs
- 40 g pine nuts
- 40 g raisins, soaked 10 min in warm water
- 5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- to taste fine salt and black pepper
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
Produce
- 3 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 orange, juice and zest
Spice
- 8 bay leaves
THE METHOD.
tap to check off
0/7 done
FAQ · Things people ask
About this recipe.
What if I can't find fresh sardines?
Fresh sprats or small herring can be substituted. The technique and stuffing are the same.
Orange or lemon juice in the sauce?
Orange is the Palermitan tradition. Lemon is used in Catania and elsewhere. Both work — orange is sweeter and more complex.
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