Step 1

Place the sliced onions in a bowl. Cover with ice and then cold water. Set aside till the ice melts. The drain the onions and let dry on paper towels.

Step 2

Open the can of sardines. Pour the olive oil from the can (hold back the sardines) into a small pan. Turn the stove to medium-high heat. Add the garlic and kochugaru. Saute for 2-3 minutes until browned and fragrant.

Step 3

Gently add in the sardines, keeping them whole. Cook for another minute (just enough to warm the sardines through), and then add in the soy sauce and apple cider vinegar.

Step 4

Remove the sardines onto a small plate. Pour the liquid (along with the garlic) from the skillet over the sardines. Add a splash of chili pepper water and squeeze the lemon on top. Eat and enjoy!

Step 5

P.S. We enjoy this dish plain as a snack but you can also eat it with soda crackers or rice.