5 Top Sardine Substitutes: Perk Up Recipes

Remember that one time we opened a can of sardines and the whole room had opinions? Yeah, us too.

Well, sardines (small oily fish in the herring family, often canned whole) are a classic, but sometimes it's fun to mix things up.

We've tested these out, so your palate are in for a treat.

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5 Easy Substitutes for Sardines

For those who aren't familiar, sardines are small oily fish that are usually canned in oil or water. They have a distinct flavor that some love and others.well, not so much.

Here are five alternatives to try if you're tired of the same old sardine taste.

1 - Anchovies

First things first, these little guys pack a serious punch when it comes to flavor (intense umami and briny saltiness). Anchovies have a strong, salty taste that can improve anything from a Caesar salad to a pizza.

They're tiny but mighty.

Anchovies and sardines come from the same family but there's a world of difference in taste (anchovies are Engraulidae while sardines are Clupeidae). Anchovies are saltier and more intense than sardines.

Perfect if you're looking to add a savory kick.

Use them sparingly-start with half the amount of sardines your recipe calls for and adjust to taste.

We found this detailed guide on Anchovy Substitutes super helpful too. If you're curious, give it a read!

2 - Mackerel

Then we have mackerel (a fatty, oily fish in the Scombridae family), which is a superstar in the fish world. Mackerel's rich, slightly sweet flavor makes it a great sardine stand-in.

It's less salty than anchovies, but still packs a flavor punch.

Use mackerel in recipes where you'd normally use sardines, but keep in mind it's a bit meatier and fishier. So if a recipe calls for 1 cup of sardines, start with ¾ cup mackerel to balance the taste.

Grill it, broil it, or toss it in a salad. It fits well in almost any dish.

Want more mackerel ideas? Check out this guide on Mackerel Substitutes for some inspiration.

Whether in pasta or a spicy curry, mackerel's versatility is unmatched. Swap it in and enjoy a deeper, richer taste.

3 - Herring

Herring is next on our list. Herring's taste is milder and a bit tangy compared to sardines (notably Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus, is milder and slightly tangy).

It's light on the salt, with a hint of sweetness.

This fish works great in salads and sandwiches. For every cup of sardines, use a full cup of herring.

The flavor is gentler, so it blends well with creamy dressings and mustard.

We've tried herring in various dishes and found it adaptable. It's perfect for those who find sardines too overpowering.

Try it grilled or smoked to add a bit of depth. You can't go wrong with this flexible fish.

4 - Tuna

While sardines have their charm, tuna (a leaner, often larger fish in the Thunnus genus) is a versatile alternative with a milder taste.

For every cup of sardines, use one cup of tuna. It's less salty and fishy, offering a more subtle flavor.

We've tried it in a Nicoise salad, and the light, flaky texture was perfect.

Fancy more tuna ideas? Here's a guide on Tuna Substitutes you might enjoy.

Ideal for those wanting a change, tuna keeps things simple and delicious - pair it with tuna melt side dishes.

5 - Kippers

Last but definitely not least, let's talk about kippers. Kippers bring a smoky, slightly salty flavour that's hard to resist (traditionally split, salted and cold‑smoked herring).

If sardines don't do it for you, these guys might.

We love how their strong taste can improve a simple meal.

For a swap, use one-to-one ratio-one cup of kippers for one cup of sardines. The smoked essence stands out, making every bite flavorful.

We tried kippers in a salad, and it was a useful.

They work wonders in sandwiches as well, giving them a nice, rich twist. Just grill or lightly fry them before adding to your dish.

Simple, tasty, and irresistible every time.