Start by cleaning and gutting the sardines carefully, then remove the spine so each fish opens flat, just like in the photo above. This step is essential for our lemon sardines recipe, as it gives that soft, melt-in-mouth texture.

Next, place the cleaned sardines in a strainer or any tool with small holes to drain the excess water. Let them sit for a few minutes until they’re slightly dry but still fresh.

Now comes the fun part! Take two sardines and place them together so the skin sides face outward and the insides meet. These little duos will hold their flavor beautifully once cooked, creating the perfect base for your lemon sardines recipe which is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Gently arrange the sardine pairs in a wide cooking pot, one that has a lid and allows them to rest side by side, not on top of each other. This helps them cook evenly and soak in the seasoning.

Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice evenly over the sardines, sprinkle a pinch of salt, and finish with dried thyme. The combination of lemon and thyme gives this Moroccan sardine recipe its bright, refreshing flavor.

Cover the pot and let the sardines cook over low heat. Slowly, the fish will release its own juices, blending with the lemon and olive oil. When you notice the liquid has mostly reduced and only the fragrant oil remains, that’s your sign they’re ready, enjoy your lemon sardines recipe!