Tomato-Braised Sardines

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, allowing it to warm up. Introduce garlic powder and paprika into the mixture; continue cooking until you can detect the aroma of these spices, approximately 1 minute. Incorporate an onion into the skillet and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, taking around 5 minutes. Introduce tomato paste into the mixture and continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with half of the lime juice in a separate container. Gently add sardines to this mixture, ensuring they are well-coated with the lime marinade.

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

Remove the lid from the skillet. Add cooking wine to the mixture, stirring it well with the onion and tomatoes. Introduce water and fish sauce into the skillet; bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid begins to reduce, approximately 5 minutes.

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

Position the skillet under the preheated broiler until sardines are cooked to perfection and some of the tomatoes have developed a charred appearance, taking around 4 to 5 minutes.

Pour the remaining lime juice over the sardines and serve.