Got Canned Sardines? Make these Spanish-Style Sardines with Garlic Rice

These Spanish-style sardines with garlic rice, known as sardinas en salsa de tomate con arroz al ajillo, are what the Mediterranean kitchen is all about. We’re talking heart-healthy ingredients, a ton of great flavors, and all done in under 30 minutes.

To make this recipe, I used Spanish canned sardines in olive oil. Of course, you can use any kind of canned sardines you like. Just make sure to use the good stuff. As it makes all the difference. I also used the olive oil from the sardines to make the tomato sauce. You can use regular olive oil if you prefer.

As for the rice, I used Spanish short-grain rice. Very similar to Arborio rice. You can use any rice you like. Just make sure to check the rice package instructions. That way, you get your liquid-to-rice ratios and cooking times right on the money.

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: You can serve this dish warm or at room temperature. It will hold for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge and freeze for up to 3 months. Just add in some liquid to the tomato sauce when reheating if it looks too dry.

Key Ingredients & Cookware I used in this Recipe:
MY COOKWARE
MY CHEF´S KNIFE
EXTRA VIRGIN SPANISH OLIVE OIL
SPANISH CANNED SARDINES (10% OFF Your Order with Coupon ONAFORK)

If you´re not already subscribed to my youtube channel, become a subscriber and click on the bell icon to be notified everytime I release a new video.

Support Spain on a Fork. Get your Spain on a Fork Apron and other awesome Merchandise here.

Your SUPPORT Helps Spain on a Fork Keep Going

Join Me on Patreon!

Watch the Video Below on How to Make Spanish-Style Sardines with Garlic Rice

Print

Spanish-Style Sardines with Garlic Rice | Sardinas en Salsa de Tomate con Arroz al Ajillo

Course Main Course

Cuisine Spanish

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 339 kcal

Author Albert Bevia @ Spain on a Fork

Ingredients

FOR THE GARLIC RICE

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 30 ml
• 6 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth 360 ml
• 1/2 cup short-grain rice 95 grams
• 2 tbsp chopped chives 5 grams
• sea salt

FOR THE SPANISH-STYLE SARDINES

• 2 cans sardines in olive oil 4.5 oz / 120 grams each
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)
• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar 15 ml
• 1/2 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika 1.25 grams
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper 0.65 grams
• 1 can tomato sauce (passata) 15 oz / 425 grams
• 2 tbsp vegetable broth 30 ml
• salt & pepper
• chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

TO MAKE THE GARLIC RICE

1. Heat a saucepan with a medium heat and add in the olive oil

2. After a couple of minutes, add in the sliced garlic, mix continuously, after 1 to 2 minutes, add in the vegetable broth and a kiss of salt, and raise to a high heat

3. Once it comes to a boil, add in the rice, mix together, then place a lid on the pan and lower to a low heat, simmer until the rice is just cooked through (check rice package instructions for liquid-to-rice ratios and cooking times)

4. Once the rice is cooked, add in the chopped chives, and using a fork, gently fluff the rice

TO MAKE THE SPANISH-STYLE SARDINES

1. While the rice is simmering, gently drain the cans of sardines into a fine sieve with a bowl underneath

2. Heat a fry pan with a medium heat and add in 3 tbsp (45 ml) of the drained olive oil from the canned sardines

3. After a couple of minutes, add in the chopped onion and garlic, mix continuously, after 3 to 4 minutes, add in the vinegar, paprika, and crushed red pepper, quickly mix together, then add in the canned tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and season with salt & pepper, mix together

4. Gently add in the sardines over the tomato sauce, all in a single layer, and gently flip each one so they're fully coated in the sauce, lower to a low heat, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes

5. To assemble the dish, add some of the rice into a serving dish, then add some of the tomato sauce next to the rice, top off with a couple of sardines and some chopped parsley, enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Get the Spanish Olive Oil and Spanish Canned Sardines I used to make this Recipe

Nutrition Facts

Spanish-Style Sardines with Garlic Rice | Sardinas en Salsa de Tomate con Arroz al Ajillo

Amount Per Serving

Calories 339 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Polyunsaturated Fat 4g

Monounsaturated Fat 8g

Cholesterol 91mg30%

Sodium 731mg32%

Potassium 672mg19%

Carbohydrates 32g11%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 19g38%

Vitamin A 960IU19%

Vitamin C 13mg16%

Calcium 282mg28%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclosure: At Spain on a Fork, we offer affiliate links to help you find what you need to re-create our recipes. If you like what we do, you can support us through our chosen links, which earn us a commission, but you still pay the same price. Learn more here.