Few things bring joy to a table quite like a dish of patatas bravas. These golden cubes of crispy, spicy goodness are an icon of Spanish cuisine and a perennial crowd-pleaser. As a fan of this delightful tapas dish, I often get asked about the best side dishes to pair with it.
There are many wonderful options, but I'm going to share with you my personal favorites - the side dishes that I think elevate a meal of patatas bravas from simply great to absolutely unforgettable.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with patatas bravas are Spanish rice, gazpacho, paella, chicken wings, roast beef, blooming onion, Shrimp Louie salad, fried calamari, grilled vegetables, Spanish tortilla, chorizo, albondigas, pan con tomate, garlic shrimp, manchego cheese, and churros.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
1. Spanish Rice
Spanish rice, with its vibrant color and flavorful combination of rice, tomatoes, and various seasonings, makes an excellent side for patatas bravas. The fluffy, aromatic rice provides a contrasting texture to the crispy, fried potatoes. It carries a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes, making it an exciting accompaniment to the spicy bravas sauce. Together, they create a harmonious duo that celebrates the essence of Spanish cuisine.
2. Gazpacho
Gazpacho, a traditional Spanish soup, offers a refreshing contrast to the fiery patatas bravas. This chilled dish, packed with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, provides a welcome reprieve from the heat. The soup's cool, crisp flavors balance the spicy bravas sauce, offering a delightful combination of tastes. This pairing brings together the vibrant flavors of Spanish cuisine in a way that's both delightful and satisfying.
3. Paella
Paella, another iconic Spanish dish, is a bold, flavorful partner for patatas bravas. This traditional rice dish, teeming with succulent seafood, chicken, and an assortment of vegetables, provides a riot of flavors and textures. The seafood's brininess, the chicken's savory depth, and the rice's hearty, saffron-infused flavor create a robust accompaniment to the spicy, crispy patatas bravas. Paella and patatas bravas together form a feast that is indulgent, satisfying, and distinctly Spanish.
4. Chicken Wings
Chicken wings make a delightful pairing with patatas bravas. Whether they're barbecued, fried, or baked, the wings bring a meaty, savory element to the table that works brilliantly with the spicy potatoes. The wings can be seasoned or sauced to your preference, providing an opportunity to add even more flavor to your meal. The combination of spicy, crispy patatas bravas and juicy, flavorful chicken wings is not only tasty but also immensely satisfying.
5. Roast Beef
Roast beef, with its succulent, rich flavors, is a hearty addition that pairs exceptionally well with patatas bravas. The savory depth of the roast beef complements the spicy kick of the bravas sauce, and the tender texture of the meat provides a pleasing contrast to the crispy potatoes. Served sliced, it creates an elegant, satisfying meal that makes any occasion feel special.
6. Blooming Onion
A blooming onion offers an intriguing, flavorful side that pairs well with patatas bravas. The large onion is cut to bloom open, battered, and deep-fried, resulting in a dish that's crispy on the outside and sweet and tender inside. The blooming onion, with its sweet, caramelized flavors, offers a delightful contrast to the spicy, crispy patatas bravas. The crunchy texture of the onion also echoes the crispness of the potatoes, tying the two dishes together beautifully.
7. Shrimp Louie Salad
A Shrimp Louie salad, filled with crisp lettuce, succulent shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and a creamy dressing, offers a fresh, light counterpoint to patatas bravas. The cool, crisp salad components provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy potatoes. The juicy, sweet shrimp adds a note of luxury, while the creamy dressing echoes the richness of the bravas sauce.
8. Fried Calamari
Fried calamari, with its delicate flavor and crispy coating, makes a wonderful companion to patatas bravas. The calamari's mild, slightly sweet taste is a perfect balance for the spicy, robust bravas sauce. The crispy, golden-brown coating on the calamari mirrors the crunch of the potatoes, making for a harmonious pairing that's sure to impress.
9. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables, with their slightly smoky flavor and vibrant colors, make a great companion to patatas bravas. The array of vegetables, which could include bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms, provides a variety of flavors that work well with the spicy, rich bravas sauce. The charred, caramelized edges of the grilled vegetables add a depth of flavor that stands up to the boldness of the patatas bravas.
10. Spanish Tortilla
A Spanish tortilla, a thick omelet made with eggs and potatoes, offers a hearty, comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with patatas bravas. The soft, creamy texture of the tortilla contrasts with the crispy, spicy potatoes. Plus, the tortilla's simple, savory flavors don't compete with the bravas sauce, making this a balanced, satisfying combination.
11. Chorizo
Chorizo, a type of Spanish sausage known for its rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor, is a flavorful companion to patatas bravas. Its robust flavors and firm texture complement the crispy potatoes and spicy bravas sauce, creating a meal that's hearty and packed with Spanish flair.
12. Churros
Churros, a sweet Spanish treat, can serve as an unexpected yet delightful side with patatas bravas. Their light, airy interior and crisp, sugar-coated exterior provide a sweet counterpoint to the spicy, savory potatoes. Dunked in chocolate or dusted with cinnamon sugar, churros add a whimsical, dessert-like touch to the meal, making the whole dining experience more diverse and exciting.
13. Pan Con Tomate
Pan con tomate, a simple yet delicious Spanish dish of bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil, is a fantastic side for patatas bravas. The bread's crusty texture and the fresh, slightly sweet flavor of the tomatoes provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy, crispy potatoes. The olive oil ties everything together, adding a touch of richness that complements the bravas sauce.
14. Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp, featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic sauce, is a delicious side dish that pairs excellently with patatas bravas. The shrimp's sweet, delicate flavor and the garlic's pungent, savory notes offer a wonderful contrast to the spicy bravas sauce. The combination of garlic shrimp and patatas bravas makes for a meal that's both indulgent and satisfying.
15. Manchego Cheese
Manchego cheese, a Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk, is a delightful companion to patatas bravas. The cheese's firm texture and nutty, slightly sweet flavor balance the crispy, spicy potatoes beautifully. Serve slices of Manchego on the side, or even sprinkle small chunks of the cheese over the patatas bravas for an extra layer of flavor.
16. Albondigas
Albondigas, or Spanish meatballs, with their savory flavors and rich sauce, make a hearty partner for patatas bravas. The tender, juicy meatballs, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, pair wonderfully with the crispy, spicy potatoes. This combination offers a comforting, satisfying meal that highlights the robust flavors of Spanish cuisine.
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What To Serve With Patatas Bravas
Ingredients
- 2 patatas bravas
Instructions
- Make the best patatas bravas using your favorite recipe.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat patatas bravas with Spanish rice, gazpacho, paella, chicken wings, roast beef, blooming onion, Shrimp Louie Salad, fried calamari, grilled vegetables, Spanish tortilla, chorizo, albondigas, pan con tomate, garlic shrimp, and manchego cheese.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂