Microwave Sardines Recipe: Easy Spanish Baked Sardines 2026

These microwave sardines are the fastest, cleanest way to enjoy baked sardines at home. In just 8 minutes you get tender, juicy fish infused with olive oil, coarse salt and a bright squeeze of lemon, with no oven heat and almost nothing to wash up.

We cook the sardines whole and leave the belly in, so all their juices stay sealed inside and the flesh turns out incredibly moist. Once they are done, pulling out the guts is simple, but if you prefer you can clean them first and cook them the same way; they will be slightly less juicy yet still delicious.

Ingredients for Microwave Sardines

This recipe makes 2 servings.

• 500 g sardines
• A drizzle of olive oil
• A pinch of coarse salt
• A splash of lemon juice

How to Make Microwave Sardines Step by Step

1. Season the sardines

Wash and dry 500 g of sardines well, then place them on a microwave-safe plate. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top, sprinkle with a pinch of coarse salt and add a splash of lemon juice.

2. Microwave with the lid on

Place the microwave lid over the plate and cook on high, about 600W, for 8 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of the fish; smaller sardines may need 1 to 2 minutes less, so check doneness at the end and extend if needed.

3. Rest and serve

After the 8 minutes, let the sardines rest inside the microwave with the lid still on for 2 minutes. They are then ready to serve, either on their own or with a side such as a lettuce and tomato salad, boiled potatoes or white rice.

Tips for the Best Microwave Sardines

Keep them whole for juicier fish

Cooking the sardines whole without removing the guts keeps all their juices inside, so the flesh stays exceptionally moist and flavorful. If you prefer, you can clean them first and cook them the same way; they will be a little less juicy but still very tasty.

Adjust the cooking time to their size

The cooking time depends on the size of the sardines. For 6 large sardines weighing 500 g total, 8 minutes at 600W is perfect. If your sardines are smaller, reduce the time by 1 to 2 minutes, and always check doneness at the end, extending the time slightly if necessary.

Serve with a simple side

These baked sardines are great on their own or with a light side like a lettuce and tomato salad, boiled potatoes or plain white rice. It is a wonderful option for a light, quick and nutritious dinner.

30 Home-Cooked Recipes I Keep Coming Back To

If you're anything like me, your kitchen rotation probably includes a little bit of everything — cozy comfort plates, tried-and-true dishes from around the globe, and sweets that make a crowd happy.

When a rich, indulgent treat is calling my name, I reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this refined Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luxurious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And on days when only something fruity and soothing will do, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my go-to.

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And when I'm hosting and mixing drinks alongside a full menu, dinner often gets paired with a cool Original Cuban Mojito recipe, a strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the spread, I like setting out this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side, or finishing the table with this eye-catching Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of cooking, testing, and tweaking in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the greatest dishes are built on three things: simplicity, techniques you can trust, and flavor that really pops.

Every recipe gathered here is one I genuinely cook over and over — whether it's a fast solo meal or a spread I'm putting together for the people I love.

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Sharing dishes from across the globe is another joy of mine — among them the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, golden Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the traditional Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

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And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely gratifying without any gluten.

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