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Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and calcium; pan-frying increases calories from added oil.
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
100 g of Pan-fried sardines has 208 calories. It contains 0 g of carbs, 24.6 g of protein, 11.8 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 8.9 µg of B12 covers 371% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 100 g
208
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
0g
· 0% DV
Protein
24.6g
· 49% DV
Fat
11.8g
· 15% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 48% · Fat 52%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 208 kcal | |
| Total fat | 11.8 g | 15% |
| Saturated fat | 2.45 g | 12% |
| Trans fat | 0.08 g | |
| Sodium | 310 mg | 13% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 24.6 g | 49% |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 100 g | 208 kcal |
| 1 ounce (small) | 28.4 g | 59 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 35 g | 73 kcal |
| 1 piece (jumbo) | 50 g | 104 kcal |
| 2 piece (medium) | 70 g | 146 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 208 kcal |
| 3 piece (large) | 105 g | 218 kcal |
| 1 cup (chopped) | 110 g | 229 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 150 g | 312 kcal |
| 1 serving (extra large) | 200 g | 416 kcal |
Calculated from 208 calories per 100 g.
For crispy pan-fried sardines, pat the cleaned fish thoroughly dry, coat them lightly in flour or cornmeal, and fry in a hot pan without crowding. Turn them once the first side is browned and releases easily.
Usually, yes: the small bones in well-cooked pan-fried sardines are soft enough for many people to eat. Larger sardines may have a firmer backbone, which you can remove; check carefully before serving them to children.
Yes, most cooks gut sardines before pan-frying, especially when the fish are not very small. Rinse them briefly and pat them dry afterward; removing moisture helps prevent oil splatter and improves browning.
Yes, pan-fried sardines can be cooked without flour. Dry the fish well, use a lightly oiled hot pan, and avoid moving them too soon; a flour or cornmeal coating adds a crisp crust but is not essential.
To stop pan-fried sardines sticking, preheat the pan and oil, dry the fish, and leave space between each one. Let the underside brown before turning; trying to lift it too early can tear the skin.
It is better to thaw sardines in the refrigerator before pan-frying them. Frozen fish releases water as it cooks, which can cause splattering and prevent a crisp exterior; dry thawed sardines well before they go into the pan.
A neutral oil with a suitable cooking temperature, such as sunflower or canola oil, works well for pan-fried sardines. Olive oil is also commonly used; avoid heating any oil until it smokes, since that can spoil the flavor.
Pan-fried sardines pair well with lemon, a crisp salad, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. In Mediterranean-style meals, olives and fresh herbs make simple accompaniments without overwhelming the fish.
Store cooked pan-fried sardines in a covered container in the refrigerator and eat them within three to four days. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking, and reheat until steaming hot throughout.
Yes, pan-fried sardines provide protein and omega-3 fats, along with vitamin D and B12. Pan-frying adds oil, so the finished dish can contain more energy than sardines cooked without added fat.
Vitamins
B12
8.9µg · 371% DV
Vitamin D
7.2µg · 36% DV
B3
5.25mg · 33% DV
B6
0.41mg · 24% DV
Minerals
Selenium
53µg · 96% DV
Phosphorus
490mg · 70% DV
Calcium
382mg · 38% DV
Copper
0.19mg · 21% DV
Sodium
310mg · 13% DV
Potassium ⭐
397mg · 12% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 208 calories in 100 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.
Pan-fried sardines are cleaned sardines cooked in a hot pan, sometimes with a light coating of flour or cornmeal. They are common in Mediterranean coastal cooking, where small, oily fish are often served simply and eaten soon after cooking.
The skin turns crisp while the flesh stays tender, with a rich, savoury flavour. Serve them with lemon and a green salad, or alongside bread as a main meal or part of a shared spread. They work well for a quick weeknight supper, too.
Sardines provide substantial protein and omega-3 fats; a 100 g serving has 24.6 g of protein. Use just enough oil to coat the pan for a lighter result.
Very 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 2
Minimally 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
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
2.45g
MONOUNSATURATED
4.25g
POLYUNSATURATED
3.35g
Omega 6:3 ratio 0.5:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.