Pan-Fried Spanish Tortilla with Potatoes and Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Spanish tortilla featuring thinly sliced potatoes and onions gently cooked and bound with eggs to create a thick, savory omelette. This spanish-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs large yellow onion, thinly sliced, olive oil, large eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 3 large peeled and thinly sliced potatoes and 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion. Cook gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender but not browned.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk 6 large eggs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Drain the potatoes and onions from the oil using a slotted spoon and add them to the eggs, stirring gently to combine.
  3. Step 3: Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tbsp. Pour the egg, potato, and onion mixture into the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 6-8 minutes until edges are set but center is still slightly runny.
  4. Step 4: Carefully invert the tortilla onto a large plate, then slide it back into the skillet to cook the other side for 4 minutes until fully set. Slide onto a serving plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Spanish Tortilla with Potatoes and Onions take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Spanish Tortilla with Potatoes and Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Spanish Tortilla with Potatoes and Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Spanish Tortilla with Potatoes and Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Fried Spanish Tortilla with Potatoes and Onions vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.