Patatas Bravas Crispy Spanish Potatoes with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Crispy Patatas Bravas My Secret to the Perfect Tapas

By Amara Vitalis July 23, 2025

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4.86 (22 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever been to Spain and fallen head over-heels for bravas potatoes ? Honestly, me too. This recipe brings that Spanish Tapas magic straight to your kitchen.

Get ready for crispy potatoes and a Patatas Bravas Sauce Recipe that’ll knock your socks off.

Brief Overview

Spanish Patatas Bravas are more than just potatoes. They are a cultural icon. This recipe is medium difficulty and takes about an hour. It makes 4-6 servings for sharing.

Main Benefits

These Spicy Spanish Potatoes pack a nutritional punch. Potatoes offer vitamin C and fiber. They are perfect for parties or a Spanish Potato Appetizer .

What makes this recipe special? It's Easy Patatas Bravas Recipe that tastes incredibly Authentic Patatas Bravas .

Craving some comfort food with a kick?

Let's dive into the ingredients for crispy potato tapas , then shall we?

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make some seriously amazing bravas potatoes ! Honestly, the ingredients and equipment are pretty straightforward.

You don't need to be a Michelin star chef. This Easy Patatas Bravas Recipe is all about the flavour, not fancy techniques.

Ingredients & Equipment

Patatas Bravas Crispy Spanish Potatoes with Spicy Tomato Sauce presentation

Main Ingredients

Here's what you need. Don't skimp on quality, especially for the potatoes.

Potatoes : 1.5 lbs ( 680g ) Yukon Gold potatoes. These are amazing.
Olive Oil : 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) and some for frying.
Smoked Paprika : 1 teaspoon ( 5g ) This gives that Authentic Patatas Bravas taste.
Garlic Powder : ½ teaspoon ( 2.5g )
Onion Powder : ½ teaspoon ( 2.5g )
Vegetable Oil : About 4 cups ( 950 ml ) for frying.
Yellow Onion : 1 small , finely chopped.
Garlic : 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best!
Cayenne Pepper : ½ teaspoon ( 2.5g ) or more, if you're feeling Spicy Spanish Potatoes
Crushed Tomatoes : 1 can ( 14.5 ounce/411g )
Tomato Paste : 1 tablespoon ( 15ml )
Red Wine Vinegar : 1 tablespoon ( 15ml )
Sugar : ½ teaspoon ( 2.5g )
Salt and Pepper : To taste.

Seasoning Notes

This is where the Patatas Bravas Sauce Recipe shines. Smoked paprika is key. If you only have regular paprika, add a tiny dash of liquid smoke.

Cayenne brings the heat. Adjust to your liking. A splash of your favourite hot sauce at the end is never a bad idea.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple. You don't need loads of gadgets.

Large pot for boiling potatoes.
Large skillet or saucepan.
Deep fryer, optional, for the ultimate Crispy Potato Tapas .
Slotted spoon or spider.
Paper towels.
Mixing bowls.
Sharp knife and cutting board.

That's it! Now you're ready to start making these Spanish Patatas Bravas . It's one of the easiest Tapas Recipes that will transport you to the streets of Spain! Trust me, once you nail this Spanish Potato Appetizer , it'll be a new favourite.

Patatas Bravas: Crispy Spanish Potatoes with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Alright, let's get cracking! Fancy some Spanish Patatas Bravas ? It’s one of my favourite tapas recipes . Honestly, this is easier than you think.

We're recreating that tapas sunshine at home. This recipe will make you feel like you're in Spain. We're aiming for an authentic flavour.

Plus, there's tips to make it a winner.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, mise en place! Peel and dice 1.5 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes. Finely chop one small yellow onion.

Mince two cloves of garlic. Got it? Good. This saves time later. Safety first: watch those fingers with that knife!

From Humble Spud to Crispy Delight: The step-by-step

Okay, here's how we make our easy Patatas Bravas recipe :

Rinse the potatoes. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Parboil them for 5- 7 minutes .
Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Fry at 325° F ( 160° C) for 5- 7 minutes . Drain on paper towels.
Fry again at 375° F ( 190° C) for 2- 3 minutes . Watch for that golden colour.
Sauté the onion in 1 tbsp olive oil until soft.
Add garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute .
Simmer with tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, and sugar for 15- 20 minutes .

Secret Sauce: Bravas Potatoes Pro Tips

Want to know a secret? The double fry is essential for crispness. Don’t overcrowd the fryer! This recipe works perfect as a Spanish potato appetizer.

The best Patatas Bravas Sauce Recipe uses quality smoked paprika.

Common mistake? Soggy potatoes. Make sure they are dry before frying. You can make the Patatas Bravas Sauce Recipe a day ahead. This will save you even more time.

So there you have it, my totally awesome Crispy Potato Tapas recipe! These spicy Spanish potatoes are the real deal! Give it a whirl and let me know how it goes!

Recipe Notes for the Best Bravas Potatoes Ever

Alright, let's talk about some extra bits to make your bravas potatoes sing! I've been making this Spanish Patatas Bravas recipe for ages.

Honestly, it gets better every time I tweak it. These notes are the real secrets.

Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro

Forget just dumping them on a plate. Elevate your Spanish Potato Appetizer ! I like to arrange the Crispy Potato Tapas artfully in a bowl.

Then, I drizzle the Patatas Bravas Sauce Recipe over top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must. Serve with a dollop of aioli for dipping! Maybe a glass of sangria on the side? Makes it feel like you're actually in Spain!

Storage Tips: Keeping the Bravas Magic Alive

Okay, so Authentic Patatas Bravas are best fresh. But, life happens. Got leftovers? Store the potatoes and the spicy Spanish potatoes sauce separately.

The potatoes will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce is good for about 3 days.

Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop. Reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) to help crisp them back up.

Freezing isn't ideal for the potatoes. They'll lose their crispness. The sauce can be frozen for up to a month.

Variations: Remix Your Bravas

Want to shake things up with your Easy Patatas Bravas Recipe ? For a healthier twist, try using sweet potatoes.

They give a lovely sweetness. You can also use the Patatas Bravas Sauce Recipe in other potato dishes , like roasted potatoes or potato wedges.

Or, if you're going vegan, just swap the aioli for a plant based mayo!

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

So, here's the lowdown. Each serving of these bravas potatoes has about 280 calories. You also get around 5g of protein and 4g of fiber.

Not bad for such a delicious dish! The tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. And hey, potatoes have potassium, which is good for your heart.

Remember these Tapas Recipes in moderation.

I tell you what, making food is my passion and am super excited about these Tapas Recipes . There you have it!.

All the secrets to Patatas Bravas Recipe Spanish Tapas . Making it absolutely perfect! Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun!

Delicious Patatas Bravas Recipe Crispy Spanish Tapas in Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are bravas potatoes, anyway? Are they hard to make?

Patatas Bravas are a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring crispy fried potatoes covered in a spicy tomato sauce. They're easier to make than you might think! While achieving that perfect balance of crispy potatoes and flavourful sauce requires a little attention, even a novice cook can nail it with a little practice.

Think of it like making the perfect chips - a bit of effort, but totally worth it for that pub-grub feeling at home.

My bravas potatoes aren't crispy enough! What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the age-old quest for crispy spuds! The key to achieving ultimate crispiness with your bravas potatoes is the double fry method. Parboiling the potatoes first helps create a fluffy interior, while the double frying (at two different temperatures) ensures a golden brown, crispy exterior.

Make sure you're not overcrowding the fryer either, as this lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy potatoes no one wants that!

Can I make the Brava sauce for my bravas potatoes in advance?

Absolutely! Making the Brava sauce ahead of time is a great time saver, especially if you're throwing a tapas party. In fact, the flavours often meld together and improve overnight, so it's a win-win! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat it on the stovetop before serving.

It's a bit like a good curry; it tastes better the next day.

My sauce is too spicy (or not spicy enough)! How can I adjust it?

Spice is a personal thing, isn't it? The beauty of Brava sauce is that you can easily customize the heat level. If it's too spicy, add a pinch of sugar or a dollop of tomato paste to mellow it out. If you're craving more of a kick, add a dash more cayenne pepper or your favourite hot sauce.

Remember to taste as you go a little adjustment can make all the difference.

What kind of potatoes work best for bravas potatoes?

When it comes to patatas bravas, the type of potato you use makes a big difference. Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they have a creamy texture and crisp up beautifully when fried. Avoid using russet potatoes as they can become dry and mealy.

If you can't find Yukon Golds, any other waxy potato will do the trick.

How should I store leftover bravas potatoes?

Okay, let's be honest, leftovers are unlikely (they're that good!), but if you do have any bravas potatoes remaining, store them separately from the sauce in airtight containers in the fridge. The potatoes will lose some of their crispness, but you can try reheating them in a dry skillet or oven to crisp them up a bit.

The sauce can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. They won't be quite as good as freshly made, but they'll still be a tasty snack!

Patatas Bravas Crispy Spanish Potatoes With Spic

Crispy Patatas Bravas My Secret to the Perfect Tapas Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:4-6 servings

Instructions:

Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform cubes. Rinse them well with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly tender but still firm. Drain well.
In a large bowl, toss the parboiled potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for 5-7 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes again for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. The double fry is the secret to ultimate crispness!
While the potatoes are frying, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Don't burn the garlic!
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding hot sauce for extra kick.
Arrange the crispy bravas potatoes on a serving platter. Spoon the Brava sauce generously over the potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with aioli (if desired).