Sardines Fra Diavolo
Canned sardines are often overlooked compared with tuna or salmon, but they make a fantastic, flavorful appetizer when paired with a spicy Fra Diavolo sauce. This version uses the oil from the cans and a bright, chili-forward tomato sauce served on toasted Italian bread—simple, bold, and fast to prepare.
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What Is Fra Diavolo Sauce?
Fra Diavolo is a classic Italian-inspired spicy tomato sauce, typically enlivened with red pepper flakes or fresh chilis. The sauce is built from olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and herbs, simmered until the flavors meld. In this recipe, crushed Calabrian chilis add a smoky, tangy heat; adjust the amount to suit your tolerance.
Fra Diavolo is commonly paired with seafood—shrimp, lobster, or clams—but canned sardines work especially well. Serve the sardines warm in the sauce or at room temperature over toast for a satisfying appetizer that wakes up the palate.
What’s the Difference Between Sardines and Anchovies?
Sardines and anchovies are both small saltwater fish sold in tins, but they differ in size and flavor. Sardines are larger with a milder, more rounded taste and are usually served whole. Anchovies are smaller and much saltier, often packed as fillets or used as a savory paste in dishes like Caesar dressing. Choose sardines if you want a less intense, meatier bite.
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Tips For Making Sardines Fra Diavolo
The Oil: Use the oil from the sardine cans in the sauce—it’s full of flavor and helps carry the aromatics.
Serving Temperature: You can warm the sardines gently in the simmering sauce, but serving them at room temperature on hot toast keeps their texture intact.
Salt: Sardines and olives are naturally salty, so season the sauce cautiously and taste before adding more salt.
Keep Warm: Preheat the serving dish to help the sauce stay warm; a chilled platter will cool the sauce quickly.
How To Make Sardines Fra Diavolo
Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins
Ingredients
1 4.4 oz can canned sardines in oil
½ cup Spanish onion, diced
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups crushed tomatoes
⅓ cup black olives, chopped
1 tsp crushed Calabrian chilis (adjust to taste)
1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped and divided
3 sprigs fresh thyme
8–10 slices Italian bread, toasted
Step 1: Open the sardines and drain the oil into a skillet. Remove the sardines and set them aside. Heat the reserved oil over medium-high until it shimmers.
Step 2: Add the diced onion to the hot oil and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the smoked paprika, crushed chilis, and garlic; cook for about 45 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the crushed tomatoes and chopped olives, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Season with salt and pepper, then stir in one tablespoon of the chopped parsley. Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 5: Transfer the sauce to a warm serving dish, arrange the sardines on top, and garnish with the remaining parsley and thyme sprigs. Serve with toasted Italian bread or crostini for dipping.
Sardines Fra Diavolo
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Ingredients
- 1 4.4 oz can Canned Sardines In oil
- ½ cup Spanish onion diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- ⅓ cup black olives chopped
- 1 tsp crushed Calabrian chilis
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped & divided
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 8-10 slices Italian bread toasted
Instructions
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Open the sardines and drain the oil into a skillet. Carefully remove the sardines and set aside. Heat the oil over medium-high until it shimmers.
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Add the onions and cook 2–3 minutes. Add smoked paprika, chilis, and garlic; cook, stirring, about 45 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes and olives until combined.
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Season with salt and pepper, add one tablespoon parsley, bring to a gentle bubble, reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes.
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Transfer to a warm serving dish, top with sardines, garnish with remaining parsley and thyme, and serve with toasted bread.