You may be familiar with eel kabayaki — a classic Japanese dish where eel is grilled and glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce. However, eel can be difficult to find in the UK, so in this recipe we use sardines as a practical and delicious alternative.
The fish is gently cooked and coated in a rich, savoury-sweet sauce, creating a satisfying balance of flavour. It’s a simple way to enjoy the essence of kabayaki using ingredients that are more readily available.

Kabayaki-style Sardines
Sweet and savoury grilled sardines glazed with soy sauce – a traditional Japanese dish full of umami.Quick, flavourful, and packed with healthy omega-3s!
