Crispy fried potatoes with smoky tomato sauce and garlic aioli
Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas
45 minEasy
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Patatas Bravas
Crispy fried potatoes with smoky tomato sauce and garlic aioli
A beloved Spanish tapa of crispy potato cubes served with a spicy tomato-paprika sauce and a garlicky aioli.
15m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Patatas bravas are the most ordered tapa in Spain for good reason — they are the platonic ideal of a bar snack. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and served with two sauces that give you both heat and richness in every bite.
The bravas sauce is a smoky, slightly spicy tomato sauce built on smoked paprika. The aioli is garlicky and rich. Together with the potatoes, they create something far greater than the sum of their parts.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt
Instructions
- 1
Boil the potato cubes in salted water until just tender, about 8 minutes, then drain and dry thoroughly.
- 2
Fry the potatoes in batches in hot oil until golden and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes per batch.
- 3
For the bravas sauce: simmer the crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic, and salt for 10 minutes.
- 4
For the aioli: mix the mayonnaise with grated garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- 5
Pile the crispy potatoes on a plate and drizzle generously with both sauces.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Olive Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the olive oil matters
On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.
This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.
- Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
- Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure
A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.
Shop olive oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Dry the boiled potatoes very well before frying to avoid splattering.
The sauces can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
Oven-roasting at 450F works if you want to skip the frying.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein5g
Carbohydrates40g
Fat16g
Fiber4g
Sugar3g
Sodium380mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.
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