Pop's Tomato-Braised Sardines

1 . Stage

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat until warm. Add garlic powder and paprika; cook until you can smell the spices, about 1 minute. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer. Add cherry tomatoes and mix until well combined. Cover the pan and cook until tomatoes begin to release their liquid, about 5 minutes.

2 . Stage

While tomatoes are cooking, combine remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil with 1/2 of the lime juice. Add sardines and gently toss to coat with lime marinade.

3 . Stage

Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.

4 . Stage

Remove the lid from the skillet. Pour cooking wine in with onion and tomatoes; stir well. Add water and fish sauce; bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until liquid begins to reduce, about 5 minutes.

5 . Stage

Remove sardines from the marinade and place on top of tomato sauce. Discard remaining marinade.

6 . Stage

Place under the preheated broiler until sardines are well cooked and some of the tomatoes are charred, 4 to 5 minutes.

7 . Stage

Pour remaining lime juice over the sardines and serve.