Grilled Portuguese sardines

Alright, first things first, grab a bowl and toss in all your ingredients except for the sardines. That means the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, red chilli, and rosemary. Give it a good mix, making sure everything is well combined and seasoned nicely with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, pour this flavorful marinade into a baking dish. Now, gently add your sardines to the dish and use your hands or tongs to toss them around so they get completely coated in that delicious mix. Cover the dish with cling film or a lid, and pop it in the fridge to chill for a few hours. This resting time really lets all those beautiful flavors soak into the fish, making them extra tasty.

When you're ready to cook, fire up your BBQ or heat a griddle pan on the stove until it's really hot. You want that surface to be sizzling so your sardines get a nice caramelised crust. Place the sardines on the hot grill or pan and let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Try not to move them around too much; this helps develop a lovely char and those beautiful grill marks that add flavor and texture. Once they're nicely caramelised and slightly charred, carefully transfer the sardines to a serving plate. For that final touch, drizzle a little more olive oil over the top, sprinkle a pinch more paprika for an extra pop of color and flavor, and don't forget to squeeze over some fresh lemon wedges. The citrus really brightens everything up and balances the smoky, spicy notes perfectly. Enjoy!