🇪🇸 Spain · Food
Espetos de Sardinas (Grilled Sardine Skewers)
By eatmundo · July 7, 2026
A traditional delight from the sunny beaches of Malaga, espetos de sardinas are fresh sardines grilled to perfection over an open fire. Indulge in a simple yet flavorful tapas experience that brings the taste of the coastline to your home.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Prepare your beach fire pit or a charcoal grill, ensuring a good bed of embers. If using a traditional espeto boat, arrange the dry cane skewers for soaking in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- 2
Gently clean 12 fresh sardines under cold running water, removing any loose scales. Do not gut them; traditional espetos are cooked whole for maximum flavour. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- 3
Carefully skewer the sardines through their back, just above the spine, ensuring they are evenly spaced and secure on two cane skewers per serving (6 sardines per skewer is ideal). The goal is to keep them flat and prevent them from spinning on the skewer.
- 4
Drizzle about 50 ml of good quality olive oil over the skewered sardines, then generously sprinkle with 15g of coarse sea salt. The salt will help crisp the skin and enhance the flavour.
- 5
Position the skewers upright on the sand, leaning against the espeto boat, or directly over the embers of your grill, about 15-20 cm from the heat source. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side.
- 6
Look for the skin to be slightly charred and crispy, and the flesh to be opaque and flaky. The internal temperature should reach around 63°C (145°F). Overcooking will dry them out, so keep a close eye.
- 7
Remove the skewers from the heat and carefully slide the sardines onto a serving platter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over – the citrus brightens the rich flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sardines are best for espetos?+
Fresh, medium-sized sardines, ideally caught locally the same day, are crucial for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright eyes and firm flesh.
How do you prevent the sardines from sticking to the skewers?+
Soaking wooden or cane skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before skewering helps prevent them from burning and sticking during grilling.
Can I cook espetos on a regular BBQ grill?+
Yes, while traditionally cooked on the sand by a fire, you can adapt espetos to a regular charcoal grill by placing the skewers directly over the embers or using a grill basket.
Why are the sardines not gutted for espetos?+
Keeping the sardines whole with their guts helps retain moisture and fat, enhancing their natural flavour and preventing them from drying out during the quick, intense grilling process.
Mundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Espetos de Sardinas (Grilled Sardine Skewers)'s core ingredients.
