Go Back
–+ servings
Substitutes for Sardine in Seafood Dishes

7 Best Substitutes for Sardine

No ratings yet
Sardines provide a rich, oily texture and mild fish flavor, but several canned fish and vegan blends can serve as substitutes depending on your dish. Anchovies and herring offer the closest fishy umami depth for cooked dishes, while tuna and mackerel are milder options for salads and sandwiches. Vegan substitutes combine tofu or jackfruit with seaweed and miso to mimic umami and texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Kitchen Tips, Substitutes
Cuisine: Various
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Anchovies Use equal weight as sardines in cooked dishes; reduce added salt due to higher saltiness.
  • 1 cup Mackerel Use equal weight as sardines; fresh requires cooking,
  • 1 cup Tuna in Oil Use equal weight for salads and sandwiches; add salt and lemon zest to enhance brininess.
  • Smoked Salmon Use equal or slightly less weight than sardines;
  • 1 cup Herring Use equal weight as sardines; bold, pungent aroma and stronger fishiness.
  • 0.5 cup Tofu with Seaweed and Soy Sauce Blend ½ cup mashed firm tofu with 1 teaspoon crushed nori and 1 teaspoon soy
  • 1 cup Jackfruit Cooked with Miso and Seaweed Mix 1 cup shredded canned jackfruit with 1 tablespoon white miso and 1 teaspoon ground

Method
 

  1. Choose your substitute based on dish type: anchovies or herring for cooking, tuna or mackerel for cold dishes, and vegan blends for plant-based needs.
  2. Prepare the substitute by draining, mashing, or blending as needed to mimic sardine texture.
  3. Apply substitute at recommended ratios (mostly 1:1) adjusting salt or flavors like lemon zest for tuna.
  4. Integrate substitute into your recipe; warm or cook as appropriate to develop flavors fully.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning or consistency to match desired sardine profile for the dish.

Notes

  • Anchovies are much saltier than sardines; reduce extra salt in recipes.
  • Vegan substitutes excel in mashed or shredded forms for spreads and stews, not for intact fish texture.
  • Use smoked salmon or jackfruit-based substitutes when a smoky or umami-rich flavor is desired but expect different profiles.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!