The fish we are referring to here is the sardine fish.
What is a sardine fish?
Sardine fish is a small marine fish, with a size of about 15cm and a weight of about 100g. The fish has greenish scales and skin, with a slim and elongated body. Particularly, it has extremely sharp saw-like teeth under its belly.
In 1847, in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean areas, the first sardine fish was found. Nowadays, this small fish is widely present all over the world and has become a nutritious food for humans.
Sardine fish sold in Vietnam, caught by fishermen, is priced at 40-50,000 dong per kilogram locally, and in the city it can be 80-100,000 dong. Compared to the price of salmon on the market, sardine fish is only about 1/3-1/5 of the price of salmon.
Sardine fish is less likely to be mercury-contaminated than salmon, suitable for Vietnamese taste
Sardine fish belongs to a group of fish that is rich in omega-3 and nutrients. Especially, sardine fish can eat the bones when soft-boiled, so it is an ideal source of calcium.
While salmon is classified as a fish with high mercury risk, sardine fish has a much lower risk of mercury contamination.
Therefore, choosing sardine fish is an intelligent choice to replace expensive salmon. Of course, you should not give up salmon, but to ensure financial and nutritional aspects, you should combine and alternate between the two.
Sardine fish can be used to make many delicious dishes suitable for Vietnamese taste
Compared to salmon, sardine fish can be processed into many delicious dishes that suit Vietnamese culinary culture, such as sardine fish salad, braised sardine fish, grilled sardine fish, sardine fish with tomato sauce, crispy fried sardine fish… for daily meals. Salmon is usually used on weekends, in modified dishes, or in salads… which sometimes do not match the taste of many Vietnamese people.
That’s why sardine fish is more convenient for use in family meals and meets the eating habits of both adults and children.
The health benefits of sardine fish
It’s not by chance that people love sardine fish so much, right? The main reason is that this small fish brings many great health benefits to humans, such as:
Supporting strong bones
Sardine fish contains a lot of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus… which can completely help strengthen the bones and joints. Moreover, these nutrients are also used to produce extremely good hydroxyapatite for teeth and bones. At the same time, vitamin D also helps the body absorb more calcium.
Boosting red blood cell production
Sardine fish is also rich in iron and vitamin B12. From there, it will support the production of hemoglobin – an iron-rich protein that produces red blood cells for the body.
Preventing stroke and cardiovascular diseases
Thanks to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, sardine fish can help reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.
Reducing inflammation and preventing some diseases
The omega-3 fatty acids in sardine fish also have ideal effects, such as reducing inflammation. In addition, diseases such as premature aging, coronary arteries… are also reduced. Moreover, vision is also improved. It can even treat depression.
Nourishing the nervous system
Sardine fish also contains vitamin B6 and potassium, which play a very important role in the development, nourishment, and promotion of the human nervous system.
Some delicious dishes from sardine fish
If you don’t know how to make delicious dishes from sardine fish, you can refer to:
Sardine fish salad
Sardine fish used for salad is 100% fresh, caught in coastal areas. Combined with the salad dressing formula of the locals in Phu Quoc with onions, garlic, chili, peanuts… All of them will create a sour, sweet, fragrant, and flavorful salad.
Sardine fish spring rolls
The pieces of spring rolls are crispy on the outside. Inside, the fish meat is soft, naturally sweet, and extremely attractive. This dish is usually served with rice or with rice vermicelli or as an appetizer in parties.
Crispy fried sardine fish
This dish is not only simple to prepare but can also maintain the natural sweetness of sardine fish. The result after cooking will be evenly fried sardine fish, golden brown on both sides, crispy when eating. The hot and fresh fish meat, together with the sweet and sour fish sauce, is perfect with white rice.
