9 Recipes for Tempting Spanish Tapas (2024)

Updated on 05/21/20

• 01 of 09

  Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet)

  

  No doubt about it, the tortilla Española is the most commonly served dish in Spain and is also known as atortilla de patataor potato omelet. It is such apopular dish, some call it "thenational dish of Spain."It is made of 3 simple ingredients: eggs, potatoes, and onions. It is not only served as atapa, but also as a main dish for a meal and a filling for sandwiches.

• 02 of 09

  Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes)

  

  Croquetasor croquettes are a small, lightly breaded and fried sort of fritter. They are a sure hit as atapaor an afternoon snack with a glass of beer or wine. These croquetas de ​jamón are creamy and smooth and very tasty. A bechamel and ham mixture turns into a dough that you roll into logs and coat with egg and breadcrumbs--then the croquettes are fried to golden brown.

• 03 of 09

  Calamares a la Romana (Fried Squid Rings)

  

  Calamares fritosorcalamares a la romana are such a simple but delicious and very popular appetizer ortapain Spain and here in the USA. With a little preparation and close attention, you can make these melt-in-your-mouth calamares a la romana at home. Try to purchase cleaned squid for a quicker and easier process.

• 04 of 09

  Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)

  

  Gambas al ajillo is one of the most common and most populartapasin Spain, as it's quick, easy and full of garlic flavor. Fresh shrimp are sauteed in olive oil with plenty of garlic and a dash of cayenne pepper which gives this dish a little heat. Sometimes paprika and brandy are included. Your guests will be asking for the recipe after the first bite, especially the garlic lovers!

  Continue to 5 of 9 below.

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• 05 of 09

  Patatas Bravas (Bravas Potatoes)

  

  Patatas bravas is one of the classic Spanishtapasdishes and is served in bars all over Spain. Fried potatoes are covered in a tomato-based sauce which has a slight bite from Tabasco, hence the namebravas, which means "fierce" in Spanish.

• 06 of 09

  Jamón, Queso y Chorizo con Pan (Ham, Cheese, and Chorizo With Bread)

  

  Jamón, queso y chorizo con pan is a simple but delicious appetizer or tapa that everyone enjoys. It involves very little cooking and you canput it together at the last minute. Be sure to useSpanish chorizoand Serrano ham for best results.

• 07 of 09

  Pulpo Gallego (Grilled Octopus)

  

  Pulpo gallego is a grilled octopus that's a traditionaltapafrom Galicia, served all over Spain today. It is very simple: cooked octopus that is served with boiled potatoes,olive oil,and sweet Spanish paprika.If you freeze the octopus first it will cut down the cooking time.

• 08 of 09

  Boquerones en Vinagre (Anchovies Marinated in Vinegar)

  

  Boquerones en vinagre (anchovies marinated in vinegar) is a traditional and very popular "tapa" in Spain. A goodtapabar always has a platter ofboqueroneson the bar and it is a favorite of Spaniards and visitors alike. Make sure you purchase large, whole fresh anchovies for this recipe.

  Continue to 9 of 9 below.

• 09 of 09

  Tigres or Mejillones Rellenos (Stuffed Mussels)

  

  If you have ever been to Spain, you’ve most likely tasted “tigres,” mussels that have been stuffed, breaded and fried. Making tigres or mejillones rellenos at home does require a few steps, but you will find it is worth the time. The mussel meat is chopped and mixed with stuffing ingredients and placed back on a shelf half. The mussels are covered with a bechamel and breadcrumbs and then chilled. When solidified they are coated in egg and another layer of breadcrumbs before frying.

• Spanish Tapas Recipes
• Spanish Food & Recipes