Crispy Patatas Bravas (Spanish Potatoes with a Spicy and Garlicky Sauce)

This beloved Spanish dish transforms potatoes into crispy cubes with fluffy centres and a smoky kick of paprika. The sauce comes together in a blender with mayonnaise, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, chilli flakes, and red wine vinegar. A final sprinkle of paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley pulls everything together. This dish is equally welcome at family dinners and weekend gatherings.

What Are Patatas Bravas? 

Patatas bravas are a classic Spanish tapas dish made from potatoes that are fried or otherwise cooked until crisp on the outside, then served with a bold sauce. The name comes from patatas, which means potatoes, while bravas suggests something fierce, bold, or spirited. Considering the dish's characteristic spicy sauce, the name is certainly fitting!

The dish is closely associated with Madrid, where patatas bravas became a popular fixture in tapas bars during the twentieth century. Today, you will find them throughout Spain, from bustling city bars to seaside restaurants, with each establishment putting its own spin on the recipe. Some serve the potatoes with a spicy tomato-based sauce, while others add a creamy garlic mayonnaise or offer both sauces together.

Pro Tips for the Best Patatas Bravas

• Drain the potatoes thoroughly and allow the surface moisture to evaporate before they enter the oil. Wet potatoes can cause dangerous splattering and make it harder to achieve a crisp exterior.
• The oil should be hot enough to brown the potatoes steadily without burning them. If it is too cool, the potatoes may absorb excess oil and become greasy.
• Give the mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic, paprika, chilli flakes, salt, and tomato paste enough time to blend into a uniform sauce. Scrape down the sides of the blender if necessary so no stray pieces of garlic are left behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Patatas Bravas Very Spicy?

Patatas bravas can range from mildly smoky to distinctly fiery, depending on the sauce and the amount of chilli used. Paprika adds depth, while chilli flakes provide the sharper heat. This homemade version gives you full control over the spice level, so start with a small pinch of chilli flakes and increase it gradually until the sauce suits your taste.

What Is Patatas Bravas Sauce Made Of?

Traditional bravas sauce is commonly tomato-based and seasoned with paprika, chilli, and other savoury ingredients. Recipes vary, and some restaurants serve it alongside garlic mayonnaise or aioli.

Is Patatas Bravas Vegetarian?

This recipe can be suitable for vegetarians, provided the mayonnaise and other ingredients meet your dietary requirements. If you are preparing the dish for vegetarian guests, it is also worth checking that the cooking oil and utensils have not been used for unsuitable foods.

How to Store Leftover Patatas Bravas

Patatas bravas are at their best straight from the fryer, but leftovers can still make a satisfying snack the next day. The trick is to store the potatoes and sauce separately whenever possible.

How to Make Patatas Bravas

Step 1

Step 1

Peel the potatoes, cut them into cubes.

Peel the potatoes, cut them into cubes.

Step 2

Step 2

Fill a pot with water to cover the potatoes and add the paprika, cumin, and bay leaf. Bring the water to a boil, allowing the spices to begin infusing the liquid. Once the water is boiling, add the potato cubes and let them cook for 5 minutes.

Fill a pot with water to cover the potatoes and add the paprika, cumin, and bay leaf. Bring the water to a boil, allowing the spices to begin infusing the liquid. Once the water is boiling, add the potato cubes and let them cook for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Step 3

Remove the pot from the heat, drain, and fry the potatoes.

Remove the pot from the heat, drain, and fry the potatoes.

Step 4

Step 4

Blend mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, peeled garlic cloves, paprika, salt, chilli flakes, and tomato paste.

Blend mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, peeled garlic cloves, paprika, salt, chilli flakes, and tomato paste.

Step 5

Step 5

Transfer the potatoes to a bowl while they are still hot and mix with paprika, salt, and pepper.

Transfer the potatoes to a bowl while they are still hot and mix with paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 6

Step 6

Arrange the seasoned potatoes on a serving plate or shallow dish. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the top and serve with parsley.  Enjoy!

Arrange the seasoned potatoes on a serving plate or shallow dish. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the top and serve with parsley.  Enjoy!