How to remove sardine bones without disassembling the fish and without wasting time in the kitchen
Sardines are a nutritious, affordable and tasty fish. But even with so many qualities, it is still overlooked by many people. The reason? The bones.
If you've ever tried to clean fresh sardines and lost your patience, or found yourself picking out bones after opening a can, there's a solution. Many people give up on sardines because they think cleaning them is hard work. But with the right techniques, everything changes.
Here's how to get the pimples out of sardines quickly and efficiently, without making a mess and without losing the taste.
1. First step: understand the type of sardine
First of all, it's important to know which type of sardine you're using.
- Fresh sardines have a firmer central spine, which needs to be removed carefully.
- Cooked or canned sardines come with a softer spine, which makes it much easier.
Each version requires a specific method, but both are simple once you get the hang of it.
2. Technique for fresh sardines: the "book" cut
This is one of the most common methods used by those who have experience with fish:
- Place the sardine belly-side up on a board.
- Make a gentle cut in the belly and remove the innards.
- With your fingers, press the sardine lightly to open it into two parts, like a book.
- Start by pulling the spine out by the head. It usually comes out in one piece.
- Remove smaller spines with your fingertips or kitchen tweezers.
That's it. You have two clean fillets, ready for any recipe.
3. Technique for cooked sardines: the fork trick
If the sardine has already been boiled or baked, the spine will come out easily:
- With a fork, lightly press the meat to the side, revealing the central spine.
- Hold carefully and pull gently.
- Use the fork as if you were combing the meat to remove any smaller spines.
In canned sardines, the bones are usually so soft that they can be eaten. But if you prefer to take them out, this method works just as well.
4. Partially frozen sardines: more firmness, less error
A useful tip for those cleaning fresh sardines is to freeze them for a few hours and only partially defrost them. This makes the meat firmer and makes it much easier to remove the bones, especially for those who are still getting the hang of it.
5. Oven or airfryer technique: spine loosens naturally
When you bake sardines with the skin on, the meat tends to naturally detach from the bone. Once baked, simply cut the fish open with a fork and pull out the skeleton. It's a practical, quick and mess-free solution.
Removing bones from sardines doesn't have to be a problem.
With practice and the right techniques, this process becomes a natural part of the preparation. You save time, avoid frustration and enjoy all the benefits this fish has to offer.
No bones, no drama and much more flavor on the plate.
Mirella Mendonça
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