A Simple Sardine Rice Bowl with Charred Broccoli and Kimchi
This simple sardine rice bowl is one of those easy, nourishing meals that comes together quickly using pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. It’s hearty yet light, deeply satisfying, and an excellent way to enjoy canned (or tinned!) fish in an approachable, modern way.
Servings: 1
Equipment
- 1 medium sauté pan
- 1 single serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cooked rice or other favorite grain (white rice, brown rice, or any whole grain)
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Fine-ground sea salt (to taste)
- 1 tin Canned sardines, drained (approx. 4 ounce tin)
- 2 tbsp Kimchi (or to taste)
- Sesame seeds (sprinkling)
- Naturally fermented soy sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Grain:Cook your white or brown rice, or your chosen whole grain, according to package directions and keep warm. When cooking the rice or other grains, in place of water, you can use fish bone broth or mineral-rich vegetable broth to boost the nutrition.
- Char the Broccoli:Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Sauté in a skillet over medium-high heat until tender with lightly charred edges.
- Warm the Sardines (Optional):Sardines can be used straight from the tin, but if you prefer, gently warm them in a small skillet over low heat for just a minute or two.
- Assemble the Bowl:Add the warm rice to a bowl. Top with charred broccoli, sardines, and a spoonful of kimchi.
- Finish and Serve:Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with naturally fermented soy sauce on the side.
Notes
Cook's Notes:
* This bowl is very forgiving—use whatever grain you have on hand.
* Cauliflower, bok choy, or sautéed greens make excellent substitutes for broccoli.
* If you’re new to kimchi, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* This recipe works equally well with other canned fish, such as mackerel or salmon. Find this recipe and video at https://marysnest.com/how-to-make-a-simple-sardine-rice-bowl/ If you’re building a traditional foods kitchen or stocking a real foods pantry, be sure to get all the books in Mary’s Modern Pioneer cookbook series, published by Penguin Random House: https://marysnest.com/modern-pioneer-cookbook-series/ Copyright © 2026 Mary's Nest, LLC, All Rights Reserved
* Cauliflower, bok choy, or sautéed greens make excellent substitutes for broccoli.
* If you’re new to kimchi, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* This recipe works equally well with other canned fish, such as mackerel or salmon. Find this recipe and video at https://marysnest.com/how-to-make-a-simple-sardine-rice-bowl/ If you’re building a traditional foods kitchen or stocking a real foods pantry, be sure to get all the books in Mary’s Modern Pioneer cookbook series, published by Penguin Random House: https://marysnest.com/modern-pioneer-cookbook-series/ Copyright © 2026 Mary's Nest, LLC, All Rights Reserved
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