4 Easy Canned Sardine Recipes (African Style)
A can of sardines is the secret weapon in every West African and Caribbean pantry. Mashed onto bread for a quick breakfast, stirred into a pepper stew with eggs, or tossed through spaghetti, it turns into a satisfying meal in minutes. Here are four easy ways to cook with sardines and canned mackerel.
4 easy sardine recipes
1. Nigerian sardine bread (sardine sandwich)
Serves 2 · 10 min
You'll need
- 1 can sardines in oil, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small scotch bonnet or chili, chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- Pinch of salt or 1/2 Maggi cube, crushed
- 4 slices soft bread or 2 rolls
How to make it
- Mash the sardines in a bowl with a fork.
- Stir in the onion, pepper, tomato and seasoning.
- Spread thickly on bread, close and toast in a pan or sandwich maker until golden.
2. Ghanaian sardine and egg stew
Serves 3 · 20 min
You'll need
- 1 can sardines (or mackerel in tomato sauce)
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped, or 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 chili, chopped
- 1 Maggi cube
How to make it
- Fry the onion in oil until soft.
- Add the tomatoes, chili and Maggi and cook 5 minutes.
- Add the sardines, breaking them up gently.
- Pour in the eggs and stir slowly until just set.
- Serve with boiled yam, plantain, rice or bread.
3. Sardine spaghetti
Serves 4 · 25 min
You'll need
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 cans sardines in oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 chili
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 Maggi cube
How to make it
- Cook the spaghetti until just tender and drain.
- Fry the onion in a little of the sardine oil, then add tomato paste, chili, curry and Maggi.
- Fold in the sardines and a splash of pasta water.
- Toss with the spaghetti and serve hot.
4. Mackerel pepper sauce for yam or plantain
Serves 3 · 15 min
You'll need
- 1 can mackerel in tomato sauce (with chili for extra heat)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
How to make it
- Fry the onion and bell pepper in oil for 3 minutes.
- Add the mackerel with its sauce and simmer 5 minutes, breaking up the fish.
- Serve over boiled yam, fried plantain or white rice.
Why sardines are a pantry hero
- Protein in minutes: no cooking needed, and a can keeps for years in the cupboard.
- Omega-3s: oily fish like sardines and mackerel are a natural source of omega-3 fats.
- Calcium: the tiny soft bones in canned sardines are edible and add calcium.
- Budget-friendly: a can stretches into a meal for the whole family.
Shop at Yado Market
Grace Sardines in OilClassic pick →
Geisha Mackerel in TomatoFor stews →
Geisha Mackerel with ChiliExtra heat →
Pinton Sardinella PasteSpread & cook →
Maggi Seasoning CubesSeasoning →
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Questions
Can you eat sardine bones?
Yes. The bones in canned sardines are soft enough to eat and add calcium.
Sardines in oil or tomato sauce?
Sardines in oil are best for sandwiches and spaghetti. Fish in tomato sauce is great for quick stews.
How long do opened sardines last?
Move leftovers to a covered container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Are canned sardines healthy?
They're a good source of protein and omega-3s. Some brands are salty, so watch your salt if you have high blood pressure.
