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Rich in omega-3, crispy coating, high protein
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
4 piece (medium) of Cornmeal fried sardine (120 g) has 276 calories. That works out to 230 calories per 100 g. It contains 9.6 g of carbs, 21.6 g of protein, 16.8 g of fat and 0.8 g of fiber. Its 10.4 µg of B12 covers 435% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 40 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 4 piece (medium) · 120 g
276
KCAL / 120G
Carbs
9.6g
· 3% DV
Protein
21.6g
· 43% DV
Fat
16.8g
· 22% DV
Fiber
0.8g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 14% · Protein 31% · Fat 55%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 276 kcal | |
| Total fat | 16.8 g | 22% |
| Saturated fat | 3.84 g | 19% |
| Trans fat | 0.04 g | |
| Sodium | 408 mg | 18% |
| Total carbohydrate | 9.6 g | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% |
| Protein | 21.6 g | 43% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 4 piece (medium) | 120 g | 276 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 30 g | 69 kcal |
| 2 piece (small) | 60 g | 138 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 230 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 150 g | 345 kcal |
| 6 piece (large) | 180 g | 414 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 200 g | 460 kcal |
| 8 piece (jumbo) | 240 g | 552 kcal |
Calculated from 230 calories per 100 g.
To make cornmeal-fried sardines crispy, pat the cleaned fish completely dry, coat them in cornmeal, and fry them in hot oil without crowding the pan. Turn them only after the first side has browned; moving them too soon can loosen the coating.
The small bones in well-fried cornmeal-fried sardines are often crisp enough to eat. The backbone may remain firm, especially in larger fish, so remove it if you prefer; check carefully for bones when serving sardines to children.
Cornmeal-fried sardines pair well with lemon, a crisp salad, and sliced onion. Parsley, pickles, or crusty bread also work well, while a fresh, acidic side helps balance the richness of the fried fish.
The coating on cornmeal-fried sardines often falls off when the fish is damp, the oil is not hot enough, or the fish is moved before the crust sets. Dry the sardines thoroughly and leave them undisturbed until the underside is browned.
Yes, gut sardines before making cornmeal-fried sardines, then rinse them briefly and dry them very well. You can leave the heads and bones on or remove them, depending on preference; excess moisture makes the cornmeal coating less crisp.
Yes, you can make cornmeal-fried sardines in an air fryer, although the crust may be less evenly browned than when pan-fried. Arrange the coated fish in a single layer, lightly oil the surface, and turn them once as they cook.
Fine or medium-ground cornmeal works best for cornmeal-fried sardines because it coats the fish evenly and forms a crisp crust. Very coarse meal can fall off more easily and may leave the coating gritty.
Yes, frozen sardines work for cornmeal-fried sardines once thawed in the refrigerator. Drain away any thawing liquid and pat the fish thoroughly dry before coating; wet sardines can make the cornmeal clump and the crust turn soft.
Keep leftover cornmeal-fried sardines in a covered container in the refrigerator and eat them promptly. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to bring back some crispness; a microwave is convenient but makes the coating soft.
Cornmeal-fried sardines provide sardine protein and omega-3 fats, but frying adds fat and makes the dish richer than plain cooked sardines. For a lighter meal, use only enough oil to fry them and pair them with vegetables rather than another fried side.
Vitamins
B12
10.44µg · 435% DV
B3
6.24mg · 39% DV
Vitamin D
5.76µg · 29% DV
B6
0.38mg · 22% DV
Minerals
Selenium
43µg · 78% DV
Phosphorus
324mg · 46% DV
Calcium
384mg · 38% DV
Iodine
42µg · 28% DV
Sodium
408mg · 18% DV
Potassium ⭐
408mg · 12% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 276 calories in 4 piece (medium) (120 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Cornmeal fried sardine is made by coating sardines in cornmeal and frying them until crisp. It is a simple coastal-style fish dish, with a crunchy, lightly grainy crust around tender, rich-tasting fish. The sardines’ savoury flavour pairs naturally with a squeeze of lemon.
Serve it hot with salad, sliced onion or greens, and bread; in Turkey, it is a familiar home-style meal rather than a formal dish. It also works well as part of a shared seafood spread. Sardines offer protein and omega-3 fats, while the coating and frying make the dish more substantial. For a lighter plate, use a modest amount of oil and drain the fish briefly before serving.
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
3.84g
MONOUNSATURATED
6.12g
POLYUNSATURATED
2.88g
Omega 6:3 ratio 0.3:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.