Best Patatas Bravas Recipe - Easy Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce (2024)

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From Dutch and Belgianfrietjes to American hash browns, every country has their version of fried potatoes, and Spain is no exception. Its signature dish, patatas bravas, is never missing from the menu at any tapas bar. It’s quick and easy to make at home with only a handful of ingredients!

Be sure to make your own bravas sauce for the best flavor, and whip up some pinchos morunos (pork skewers) to round out the meal! Check out my roundup of the 50 best Spanish tapas recipes for more ideas.

Best Patatas Bravas Recipe - Easy Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce (1)
Jump to:
  • Introduction
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How to Make
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serve
  • Store
  • Expert Tips
  • Other Tapas Recipes
  • Patatas Bravas Recipe

Introduction

Patatas bravas are one of Spain's most popular tapas. They're the go-to choice for an appetizer or a snack to share along with a round of cañas.You can always tell the overall quality of a restaurant by the quality of itspatatas bravas.It's an incredibly simple—and cheap—dish, but everyone has their own way of doing it!

In patatas bravas, you’ll find two simple ingredients: potatoes and bravas sauce. The potatoes are cut into bite-size chunks and deep fried in olive oil. The bravas sauce is usually drizzled on the potatoes before serving.This Spanish condiment is bright red and only slightly spicy, which explains its name:brava roughly translates to "brave." Although bravas sauce isn’t usually really hot, sometimes it can be!

Many people prefer to accompanypatatas bravaswithalioli, a garlicky mayonnaise that provides a contrast and cuts the spice. The two sauces might be drizzled on top, or may come on the side. However, purists consider this dish to be potatoes smothered inbravassauce and nothing else.

Ingredients

Best Patatas Bravas Recipe - Easy Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce (2)

Wondering what ingredients you need to make patatas bravas? Fortunately, there's only a couple of simple ingredients you'll need--and you may already have them in your pantry.

  • Potatoes: This is, of course, the key ingredient! It's best to use a fluffy, all-purpose potato here, such as russet or Maris Piper.
  • Olive Oil: Choose a good quality olive oil (preferably Spanish if you can find some).
  • Bravas Sauce: You can use ready made if you can find some, but it's best to make your own bravas sauce for the best flavor. It takes only 6 simple ingredients and 15 minutes to make!
  • Salt: This is crucial to adding lots of flavor to the deep fried potatoes. Use regular table salt or flaky sea salt.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

  • Vegan: Make sure you're using vegan bravas sauce, or make your own using vegetable broth instead of the traditional chicken broth.
  • Want to try something different? Drizzle the patatas bravas with garlic alioli for extra flavor!

How to Make

If you’d like to see the full ingredients and instructions, scroll to the bottom of the post for the printable recipe card.

Best Patatas Bravas Recipe - Easy Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce (3)
  1. Rinse and peel the potatoes.
  2. Cut them into bite-sized chunks.
Best Patatas Bravas Recipe - Easy Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce (4)
  1. Heat the olive oil to 350°F (176°C), then add the potatoes and allow them to pre-cook for a few minutes on low heat.
  2. Remove the potatoes from the hot oil and allow them to cool in the fridge for a few minutes.
Best Patatas Bravas Recipe - Easy Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce (5)
  1. Reheat the oil to 350°F (176°C) and add the potatoes back to the pan.
  2. Cook until golden, using a skimmer to remove them from the hot oil.
Best Patatas Bravas Recipe - Easy Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce (6)
  1. Drain the hot potatoes on a paper towel-lined plate to catch excess grease.
  2. Immediately sprinkle them with salt for flavor.
Best Patatas Bravas Recipe - Easy Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce (7)
  1. Right before serving, drizzle with the bravas sauce.
  2. Enjoy these patatas bravas while they're hot and crispy!

Recipe FAQs

What is patatas bravas sauce made of?

Bravas sauce is made from olive oil, sweet Spanish paprika, spicy Spanish paprika, flour, chicken or vegetable broth, and salt. The amount of spice can vary, but generally it's gently piquant rather than extremely hot.

What kind of potatoes do you use for patatas bravas?

Choose the same kind of potato you would use for French fries or home fries; a fluffy, all-purpose potato works best. In the US, russet is a great option, while in Europe, Maris Piper also works well.

What does bravas mean in Spanish food?

Bravas literally translates to "brave," which refers to the spiciness of the dish. While spicy food aficionados probably wouldn't think bravas sauce is extremely spicy, it brings a delightful spice and vibrancy that you'll love!

What is another name for patatas bravas?

Patatas bravas can also be known as papas bravas or patatas a la brava. The name patatas for potatoes is used in most of Spain, while the name papas is used in Latin America.

Serve

Make sure to serve patatas bravas with extra bravas sauce on the side. Drizzle with alioli for a lovely flavor contrast.

If you're looking for other tapas to round out your appetizer buffet, try some of these favorite recipes for pan con tomate, bacon wrapped dates, padrón peppers, and croquetas de jamón.

Best Patatas Bravas Recipe - Easy Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce (8)

Store

Leftovers: It's best to eat patatas bravas right after cooking when the potatoes are still hot and crispy. However, leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing: Blanch the potatoes, then flash freeze them on a baking tray. Seal the frozen potatoes in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months. (Read more about freezing fries.) When ready to cook, skip the pre-cooking step and proceed with the recipe starting with Step 4.

Expert Tips

  • Dry the potato chunks thoroughly before frying to make them extra crispy.
  • Serve with additional homemade bravas sauce or garlic alioli for a delicious flavor contrast.
  • This recipe is vegan as long as the bravas sauce is vegan. Make your own with vegetable broth if you can't find vegan bravas sauce.

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Best Patatas Bravas Recipe - Easy Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce (9)

Patatas Bravas Recipe

Patatas bravas are one of the most beloved Spanish tapas, thanks to their simple combination of fried potatoes and flavorful sauce. Make them at home with this easy recipe!

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Course: Appetizer, Tapa

Cuisine: Spanish

Diet: Vegan

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 202.3kcal

Author: Lauren Aloise

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 1-2 cups olive oil for frying
  • salt to taste
  • ½ cup homemade bravas sauce

Instructions

  • Peel the potatoes, then rinse and dry them thoroughly to help them crisp up. Cut into bite-sized chunks.

  • Heat the olive oil 350°F (176°C) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and turn the heat to the lowest setting, then cook for a couple of minutes.

  • Remove the potatoes from the oil with a skimmer, and let them cool in the fridge for a few minutes.

  • Turn the heat up to high and reheat the oil to 350°F (176°C), then add the potatoes back into the pan. Fry until crispy and golden.

  • Use a skimmer to transfer the potatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, and sprinkle with salt to taste.

  • Drizzle the bravas sauce over the potatoes, then serve immediately. Serve with toothpicks if desired.

Notes

  • Dry the potato chunks thoroughly before frying to make them extra crispy.
  • Serve with additional homemade bravas sauce or garlic alioli for a delicious flavor contrast.
  • This recipe is vegan as long as the bravas sauce is vegan. Make your own with vegetable broth if you can't find vegan bravas sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 202.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.86g | Protein: 4.71g | Fat: 3.75g | Saturated Fat: 0.54g | Sodium: 246mg | Potassium: 998.1mg | Fiber: 5.14g | Sugar: 2.96g | Vitamin A: 132.6IU | Vitamin C: 44.1mg | Calcium: 29.54mg | Iron: 1.98mg

Did you make this recipe?Tag @spanishsabores on IG and hashtag it #spanishsabores!

Photography byGiulia Verdinelli

See Also

  • Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava)

  • Mojo Picón Sauce Recipe

Best Patatas Bravas Recipe - Easy Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce (2024)

FAQs

What is the sauce on Patatas Bravas made of? ›

Bravas sauce (salsa brava) is easy to make with a few simple pantry ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, smoked paprika, and tomato paste! Perfect for drizzling atop hot fried potatoes to make delicious patatas bravas. But you'll find many uses for this delicious red sauce.

What does Patatas Bravas mean in Spanish? ›

Patatas bravas (Spanish: [paˈtatas ˈβɾaβas], also called patatas a la brava or papas bravas, all meaning "spicy potatoes") is a dish native to Spain.

How do you use bravas mix? ›

Our favourite way is to make a quick tomato sauce with the blend – simply heat through a carton of passata seasoned with four or five teaspoons of Patatas Bravas blend, then drizzle the sauce over your fried potatoes. A 'dry' version can be made simply by tossing the fried potatoes in the spice blend.

What is Patatas Bravas served with? ›

Patatas bravas is a Spanish dish of fried potato pieces served with a spicy garlicky tomato sauce. It's enjoyed as a tapa (appetizer) in tapas bars and homes throughout Spain — usually accompanied with a little wine, sherry or beer and lots of good conversation.

What is the name of the Spanish hot sauce? ›

Picante hot sauces, also known as "salsa picante," are a staple in Mexican cuisine. These sauces are made from a variety of chili peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spices.

What does bravas mean in Spanish? ›

Bravo/brava is an adjective with various meanings in Spanish. We use it when we want to say someone is brave or courageous. In some Spanish-speaking countries, however, bravo/brava is also used as a synonym for angry, mad or upset. This adjective can also help us describe the world around us by meaning rough or fierce.

What is a fun fact about Patatas Bravas? ›

The “Patatas Bravas” are potatoes accompanied by hot sauce. In fact, its name comes from the spicy cayenne, which is essential in the sauce. Potatoes can be prepared fried, cooked in water, cooked in oil and even in some cases baked. It is a typical dish of Spanish cuisine, although its origin is really from Madrid.

What do Spanish call fries? ›

patatas fpl fritas ⧫ papas fpl fritas (Latin America)

What is Patatas Bravas made of in Spain? ›

Make this classic tapas dish part of your cooking repertoire – it's simply potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce.

Does bravas sauce contain tomato? ›

Traditional bravas sauce, often associated with Spanish tapas, is a bold and flavorful sauce typically made from a combination of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and various spices. While the exact ingredients can vary, the key components of bravas sauce include: Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the base of bravas sauce.

Why is Patatas Bravas important? ›

The dish dates back to 1542 after Spain concurred with the Inca Empire to bring back their agricultural produce, such as tomatoes. The people of Madrid, Spain, started preparing bite-sized fried potatoes dressed with served with spicy tomato sauce. Apart from Spain, this is also a familiar dish in other regions.

Where is Patatas Bravas popular? ›

The FAMOUS Patatas Bravas from Barcelona Spain | CLASSIC Tapas Recipe. If you have ever visited the beautiful city of Barcelona, you've surely had the famous patatas bravas (brave potatoes) from Barcelona. With their spicy paprika-based sauce and garlic mayo aioli, make them one of the best in the country.

What is the meaning of tapas in Spanish? ›

Tapas has two meanings in Spanish. As a verb, tapas means “to cover”, revealing its origins as a way for guests to cover their drinks with pieces of food. As a noun, it references small plates of food.

Do they eat patatas bravas in Mexico? ›

However, they are so tasty you likely will want to eat them as a meal all by themselves! Although it originated in Spain, and is often served in Spanish tapas restaurants, this dish is a popular side dish at many Mexican and Latin American restaurants as well.

What is Spanish sauce made of? ›

Tomate frito is a very simple Spanish sauce made from sautéing tomatoes with onion, garlic, salt, and sugar, then puréeing it. Salsa de tomate is made with a similar method, but includes carrot and a little flour for thickening it. Also, the vegetables are strained out, leaving the sauce behind, not puréed.

What is the brown sauce in Spain? ›

Translated as the 'Spanish' sauce, Espagnole is a rich-bodied brown sauce. The sauce is the base of many other sauces, but perhaps most popularly, the demi-glace. Demi-glace is a time-consuming super-concentrated sauce popular in restaurant dishes.

What is Spanish green sauce made of? ›

Mojo verde sauce originates from the Spanish Canary Islands off the coast of northwestern Africa. Traditionally, it's made with cilantro, cumin, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil and pounded in a mortar and pestle. It's herbaceous, garlicky, and bracingly acidic, and perfect for brightening up any smoked and grilled food.

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