Fried Sardines

One of my favorite dishes to make and eat is from my family's "refugee menu" -- fried sardines. I usually like to make it spicy because it doesn't completely hit the spot if it's not hot.

What you will need (serves 1-2 people): 

One large can of any Asian brand sardines in tomato sauce (or two small ones)

Cilantro (pictured here is Hmong cilantro)

Green onions

Garlic

Raw Thai chilies (dried ones are fine too)

Chop up the herbs and chilies. 

On medium high heat, fry the garlic in 2 Tbsp. of oil to infuse it. Then add sardines with tomato sauce.

Continue cooking sardines for 2-3 minutes, breaking the sardines apart. Some like it chunky while others prefer less chunky and more of a paste for easy dipping with sticky rice. Cook for 6-7 minutes before adding chilies and herbs. Add salt and 1-2 Tbsp. of fish sauce to sardines. Be mindful to not over-salt. Keep cooking until tomato sauce is gone.

Enjoy with some sticky rice.