From Tin to Table: Our Easy Sardine Croquettes Recipe

Hello there, Seafoodies!

Are you willing to get a little fishy with us today? But actually, seriously, because we want to talk about our latest recipe featuring some truly fantastic “little fish.” Sardines have been beloved for far longer than the current food trends might let on. Even as far back as 1935, Vyvyan Holland—Oscar Wilde’s son—started London’s first sardine tasting club, where members treated these tiny fish with the reverence usually reserved for fine wines. Fast forward to today and sardines are experiencing a major resurgence, popping up on trendy charcuterie and Seacuterie Boards alongside crackers, olives and aged cheeses. We are absolutely here for that aesthetic—the sophistication of a proper spread, the ritual of building the perfect bite. But in all the excitement about sardines as an “as-is” appetizer, we also don’t want to forget how incredibly easy they are to cook with!

That’s the thing about sardines that gets overlooked in the current foodie trends: they’re much more helpful in the kitchen and hardier than they get enough credit for. They’re shelf-stable, which means you can keep them stocked without worrying about quick-use expiration dates. They’re affordable, making them accessible to anyone who wants to eat well without breaking the budget. And nutritionally, they’re powerhouses—packed with omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D and selenium that support heart health, bone strength and immune function. You can eat them straight from the tin, yes. But you can also transform them into a full meal with minimal effort.

Our latest sardine croquettes prove exactly that point. In it, we’re turning a simple can of sardines into crispy, golden patties that will feed your whole family, yet come together in about 30 minutes. The sardines get mashed with white beans for extra protein and substance, bound together with egg and breadcrumbs and mixed with kitchen staples of Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon and Old Bay seasoning. Pop the formed patties into a pan and fry until the exterior is crispy and the inside is tender and juicy. All that’s left is to pair with a small side salad and serve for a full, stress-free and fabulous meal! 

But this wouldn’t be a true Dish On Fish recipe without a little extra kitchen wisdom, so here’s an insider tip: while this recipe calls for drained sardines, don’t toss that oil down the drain. Sardine oil is liquid gold—save it in your refrigerator for cooking, drizzle it over salad dressings or use it to add omega-3 richness to your pet’s food. It’s too good (and too nutritious) to waste!

Once you add sardines as croquettes to your regular menu rotation, you’ll start imagining them in other forms too. Grilled sardines. Sardine toasts. Even subbing sardines for salmon in your grain bowls. Such a tiny fish can become the ingredient that makes every meal better. That’s the full potential of sardines we’re here to help serve up—and we hope you enjoy!

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