Anchovies vs. Sardines: the Greatest Variations

Anchovies and sardines are very a lot alike, and but so starkly completely different when it comes to what they provide from a culinary standpoint. Sadly, they typically get confused with each other. It’s simple to see why — each are small, oily fish which are tasty whether or not they’re ready recent or preserved in a can. Most of the time, you come throughout them in a tin on a grocery retailer shelf, so it’s essential to know the distinction between these little fish, in addition to use them in your kitchen.

Anchovies are a forage fish (that’s, a fish that’s sometimes prey) from the Engraulidae household. Sardines, in the meantime, are technically a sort of herring, and a part of the Clupeidae household. Anchovies are sometimes present in saltwater environments — although some species reside in freshwater. They like a hotter habitat. Sardines are solely present in saltwater and like temperate waters.

In look, sardines are usually a bit fatter, and that’s the lifeless giveaway. They’re stocky, whereas anchovies are skinny and slender. The largest distinction in these two fish, nonetheless, is how they’re bought. Sardines are sometimes cooked and preserved in olive oil, and the flavour can vary from delicate to fairly fishy. Anchovies, in the meantime, are often salt-cured. Meaning they’re way more pungent. Each sardines and anchovies are wealthy in vitamins like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and calcium.

Each present distinctive alternatives within the kitchen, nevertheless it’s essential to know wield these two highly effective fish.

Anchovies could be ready many alternative methods — grilled, fried, pickled, salt-cured, or marinated.

Right here in America, you’ll sometimes discover anchovies salt-cured in cans or jars. Contemporary anchovies are glorious fried complete, served with lemon wedges and a beer. In Spain and Greece, fried anchovies are a typical snack at eating places and bars.

Salt-cured anchovies are a robust weapon for house cooks — consider them extra as an ingredient, and fewer as a protein. In truth, anchovies pack a lot salt and umami that you should utilize them instead of salt. On pizza, they might be an acquired style, however in pasta and salad dressings, they virtually disappear, spreading their meaty, unctuous high quality all through a dish.

Dried anchovies are one other selection generally bought, they usually’re sometimes smaller. You could find them at Asian grocery shops like H-Mart. They’re a key ingredient in lots of standard dishes, like Malaysia’s nationwide dish, nasi lemak — a aromatic coconut rice that includes pandan leaves, peanuts, hard-boiled egg, cucumber, chili paste, and dried anchovies, for instance. Dried anchovies could be fried for added fats and are an exquisite addition to many rice dishes.

Sardines are small, plump, herring-like fish which are sometimes loved grilled or canned. The most effective sardines often come from waters exterior of Spain and Portugal. Portugal has a long-standing historical past of canning sardines. These sardines are often packed in extra-virgin olive oil, and are a wealthy delicacy. Whereas anchovies are finest seen as an ingredient, sardines are finest considered as a protein. They could be a meal all on their very own.

Contemporary sardines could be grilled, although they will typically comprise bones. These bones can typically  be too small to note, however typically they must be picked out. In the summertime months in Greece, grilled sardines served with lemon are frequent fare. One other traditional is grilled sardines and eggplant caponata, a standard Southern Italian dish.

There are quite a few manufacturers of canned sardines, and I extremely counsel exploring to seek out what fits your tastes. Choices from manufacturers like Ortiz, Nuri, Bela, Cento, and Matiz are all nice locations to start out. A few of them have completely different flavors, too, and are available full of preserved lemon or piri piri sauce. Personally, I’m a fan of Nuri. The flavour is actually clear, and the additional virgin olive oil they use packs an exceptionally wealthy taste.

Regardless of being related species, it’s uncommon that you’d truly need to swap anchovies out for sardines. 

If a recipe requires anchovies — like a pasta dish or a Caesar salad, for instance — you don’t need to substitute sardines. Recipes often name for anchovies as a result of they add a salty punch of umami. It’s a taste enhancer meant to reinforce a dish, and sardines received’t provide the identical taste and texture.

Conversely, a recipe that requires sardines often does so as a result of the sardine is seen as the primary protein. You wouldn’t need to swap anchovies for sardines as a snack, as a result of anchovies pack an excessive amount of pungent taste on their very own. Whereas sardines could be buttery and scrumptious proper out of the can, anchovies are simply too highly effective.

I extremely advocate utilizing anchovies for pasta sauce. Puttanesca is a traditional, briny, salty, pungent sauce that advantages vastly from the usage of anchovies. Moreover, you may additionally unleash a can into a traditional aglio e olio for a pop of salty umami. One tip: The salt consider anchovies must be tamed. Don’t salt your pasta an excessive amount of if utilizing them. Moreover, consider using numerous herbs like parsley, which is able to mellow a few of that pungent taste.

Sardines are a ready-to-eat snack that by no means permits you to down. The most effective associate to a high quality can of sardines is a cracker. Particularly, Triscuits make an exquisite base for sardines. This mix is a superb seashore snack. Sardines are additionally glorious on buttered toast, and may profit from some greens like arugula, pickled onions, seasonings, and even a bit drizzle of vinegar. In addition they make a nice sandwich.

Pasta con le sarde is a traditional Sicilian pasta dish involving sardines and breadcrumbs. In case you’re in want of some fast protein, sardines are fantastic to position on a recent salad. When making a salad with canned sardines, select ones with high-quality olive oil, which is able to act as a pure dressing.

Tinned fish is an extremely versatile ingredient to have stocked at house, so it’s properly value exploring the flavorful world of anchovies and sardines. Every has their strengths, and every deserves a everlasting station in your pantry.