Sardine Butter
This quick and versatile recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, umami-packed sardine butter. Combining softened salted butter with flaked sardines, fresh lemon juice, minced chives, and black pepper, it creates a flavorful spread perfect for toast, crackers, or as an accompaniment to grilled seafood. It's an effortless way to elevate a variety of dishes with its distinctive savory profile.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Fork or rubber spatula for mashing
- 1 Can Opener
- 1 Small Knife for mincing chives
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main
- 1.25 sticks/10 tablespoons salted butter slightly softened (If you can find butter with actual crystals of salt, even better)
- 1 can good quality sardines packed in oil (either use boneless or debone yourself!)
- juice of ½ a lemon
- about a tablespoon of minced chives
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Drain the can of good quality sardines, reserving a teaspoon of the oil if desired. Carefully debone the sardines if necessary, ensuring no small bones remain. Flake the sardine flesh with a fork.
- Ensure your salted butter is sufficiently softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and the flaked sardines.
- Add the fresh juice of half a lemon to the butter and sardine mixture.
- Stir in the minced chives.
- Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
- Using a fork or rubber spatula, thoroughly mash and mix all ingredients together until well combined and the texture is as desired – either slightly chunky or smooth. If desired, add the reserved sardine oil for added depth and creaminess.
- Taste the sardine butter and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice for brightness or pepper for spice.
- For best flavor development, transfer the sardine butter to an airtight container or roll into a log using parchment paper/plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a spread on toasted bread, crackers, or as a flavorful accompaniment to fish or vegetables.
Notes
The success of this sardine butter hinges on ingredient quality. Opt for high-quality, oil-packed sardines; if using bone-in, ensure thorough deboning for a smooth texture. A small amount of the sardine oil can be incorporated for deeper flavor and smoother consistency, but drain most to avoid greasiness. The 'salted butter with actual crystals' suggestion is excellent, providing bursts of salinity. Ensure butter is genuinely soft for easy emulsification. Taste and adjust lemon juice and black pepper for balance. This butter is incredibly versatile: perfect spread on toasted sourdough or crackers, tossed with hot pasta, or melted over grilled fish or steamed vegetables for an instant flavor boost. For best results, allow flavors to meld in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.