This simple and tasty sardine pate is designed to please even the fussy, canned-fish-hating mouths. This small-batch recipe takes 10 minutes and 5 key ingredients, and with the impressive nutritional profile of sardines, it’s very healthy and nourishing. Gluten-free, paleo, Whole30 and low-carb and keto-friendly.
HOW TO MAKE A SARDINE PATE
As I mentioned earlier, this recipe has only 4 ingredients:
- Canned sardines – I use tinned sardines preserved in olive oil or chilli and garlic oil; either will work, as would the sardines in brine or water. The whole sardines are used as the pate is pureed and all those small bones and spice get completely ground up and you can’t detect them at all. This also means you get all that calcium present in sardines (one of the best non-dairy sources, by the way).
- Sun-dried tomatoes – again, use the ones that come in a jar in oil, not the super dehydrated ones; sun-dried tomatoes have a powerful flavour, sweet, salty and umami, so they are perfect for hiding the fishy taste of sardines. They also give this spread that lovely orangy/red colour.
- Mayonnaise – as well as adding a lovely flavour, mayonnaise will give the dip nice creaminess; use free-range egg mayonnaise. For an egg-free version, you could try using a combination of olive oil, mustard and Greek yoghurt.
- Spring onions – these can be omitted but I love a little freshness and taste of fragrant green onions (scallions). you can also use chopped red onions, shallots or chives.
- Lemon juice – for a little tang!
To turn canned sardines into a smooth, creamy pate requires some processing. You can use a food processor or an immersion blender stick to puree the ingredients. You can process the spread as smooth as you like. I like to keep a little texture so I blend it only until sun-dried tomatoes and sardines are ground up enough.
HOW TO EAT THIS SARDINE SPREAD/DIP
This sardine pate is a bit like a dip or a spread, which can be enjoyed with cut-up vegetables (aka crudites) or with your favourite crackers or toasted sourdough or paleo-friendly bread (or this low-carb bread). You can serve it in lettuce cups or on top of a salad, or use as a filling inside baked sweet or white potatoes.
Super Tasty Sardine Pate
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Learn how to make a small batch of super tasty sardine pate that you can serve as a spread or a dip. It’s super nutritious, gluten-free, paleo, Whole30 and low-carb friendly. You will need 5 key ingredients and 10 minutes!
Ingredients
120 g can of sardines (90–100 g drained solids)
4 sun-dried tomato halves (preserved in oil, not the dry ones)
1.5 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped spring onion or red onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon hot sauce or Sriracha (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients either to a food processor or a medium bowl if using an immersion blender stick. Blend until just smooth. Don’t over-process it too much. I like to pulse blend a few times, making sure I scrape and incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to a bowl to serve with crispbreads, sourdough, sliced veggies, low-carb or paleo crackers or use in wraps, salads etc.
Notes
To make a large batch, double or triple the ingredients as needed.
You can use this recipe with another type of canned fish.
MORE TASTY SARDINES RECIPES
- Nicoise Salad With Sardines & Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
- Sardine Fishcakes With Aioli & Salad
- Citrusy Shaved Zucchini & Sardine Salad
- Deconstructed Sardine Forshmak
SAVE THIS CANNED SARDINE RECIPE TO PINTEREST
I just can´t believe how good this is.. both my kids hate tinned fish but can´t get enough of this,
★★★★★
Thanks, Jenny. That’s so good to hear, especially as sardines are so good for those growing brains. Glad the whole family can enjoy! Irena
I just made this and I am shocked at how good it is! I’ve never been much of a sardine person but took the chance and make it today. It’s fabulous! I subbed in fresh chives for the spring onion and it worked very well. Spread it on a piece of toast and added cucumbers on top for a nice quick lunch. The recipe is a definite keeper!
Thanks Tiffani! Glad you liked it, especially as someone who wasn’t a fan of sardines 😉 Irena
Made it as a last minute quick lunch. Used fat free Greek yoghurt instead of mayo (to be good!). Also chopped the sun-dried tomatoes and the white onion, mashed the sardines and mix it up by hand with the lemon juice. Mayo would have made it extra tasty but it was still very nice! Thank you
★★★★★
Welcome, glad you liked it even with yoghurt.
This recipe sounds good! I am trying to start using sardines on a regular basis. One problem for me, is that I can’t have nightshades. Do you have a substitute that you think would work? I was thinking maybe butternut squash or maybe sweet potato. Thank you!!
Hmmm, you want something that is quite strong in flavour, which is why sun-dried tomatoes work. Gherkins would work or even caramelised onions as they would be a little sweet. Marinated capers are also wonderful.
Some ideas to ramp it up to a Gourmet version with optional extras:
5-7 drops Worchester sauce
3-5 drops fish sauce
1 -2 teaspoons smokey smoked paprika
chopped chives
chopped coriander – or parsley
1 anchovy
1 pinch ground mace
2 pinches ground black pepper
★★★★★