Pan-Fried Patatas Bravas with Spicy Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-19 · Updated 2026-06-19

Golden cubed potatoes pan-fried to a crisp and served with a smoky, spicy tomato sauce that delivers a classic Spanish tapa experience. This Spanish recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs russet potatoes, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb russet potatoes
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and cut 1 lb russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a pot of salted water and parboil for 5 minutes until just tender but not falling apart, then drain and dry thoroughly.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dried potato cubes and fry, turning occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crisp on all sides. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, cooking for 30 seconds to release aromas.
4. Step 4: Add 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes and 1 tbsp sherry vinegar to the saucepan. Simmer the sauce gently for 8-10 minutes until thickened and slightly reduced. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: To serve, spoon the spicy tomato sauce over the golden potatoes and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top.