Grilled Portuguese sardines

Begin by combining all the ingredients except for the sardines — including minced garlic, paprika, chopped red chilli, fresh rosemary, olive oil, and a good pinch of seasoning — in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk these together thoroughly so the flavors meld into a vibrant marinade. Place this mixture into a shallow baking dish and add the sardines, turning them carefully within the marinade to coat each fish well. Cover the dish with cling film or a lid and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the marinade to penetrate and tenderize the sardines deeply. When ready to cook, preheat your BBQ or a griddle pan until it's scorching hot—this high temperature is key to achieving that irresistible caramelized, slightly charred exterior. Lay the marinated sardines on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully to avoid breaking the delicate fish. Once cooked, transfer the sardines onto a serving plate. Drizzle them generously with a little extra olive oil, sprinkle additional paprika for an added smoky punch, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon wedges to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of smoky, spicy, and tangy notes. Tip: Ensure your grill or griddle pan is well-oiled to prevent the sardines from sticking. If fresh sardines are not available, choose similarly sized, firm white fish but keep the marinade and cooking approach the same for authentic flavor.