Our 21 Best Tapas Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular tapas dish? ›

Traditional tapas include mixed olives, garlicky shrimp, fried baby squid, meatballs, and chorizo.

Tapas has two meanings in Spanish. As a verb, tapas means “to cover”, revealing its origins as a way for guests to cover their drinks with pieces of food. As a noun, it references small plates of food.

Focus on creating five to six tapas dishes that are easy and quick to fix and can be prepared ahead of time. For example, three cold tapas and two warm tapas. Plan 6 to 8 bites per guest if you are hosting a co*cktail party (1-1/2 hour party) or 12 to 15 bites per guest for a tapas dinner party (3 hour party).

Black pudding and chorizo

Together with ham, these are two of the most popular cured pork products served as tapas. The first is made with rice and the second is served grilled or cooked in cider.

Portion sizes will vary by restaurant, but typically, ordering 2 to 3 tapas per person gets the job done. So a party of 4 would order 8 to 12 tapas between them. Don't be afraid to ask your server if you haven't ordered enough food, and remember, your friends are there to help if you've ordered too much.

Simply ask a waiter for a plate and get stuck in. Work your way along the bar and do not be afraid to squeeze between people perching there. Load your plate with the pinchos that you like the look of. Whilst eating make sure that you save the small toothpicks that are stuck in each one.

Tapas are a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or warm (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid). In select restaurants and bars in Spain, tapas have evolved into an entire and sophisticated cuisine.

In general, two to four tapas dishes per person is a standard order for a meal. This may be slightly fewer if you're stopping off for a snack. Tapas do come in different sizes so it's a good idea to check with your server and potentially ask for recommendations. This way, you can ensure the right sized portion!

What is Spain's most famous dish? ›

Paella is perhaps the most famous Spanish dish of all, and certainly one of the most abused. Authentic paella originates from the region around Valencia, and comes in two varieties: Paella Valenciana, with rabbit and chicken; and seafood paella.

A tapa is normally just a smaller sized portion of a main dish, served in a plate, which you eat with cutlery. The pincho is normally served on a piece of bread or other, served usually with a co*cktail stick which you can eat in one or two bites.

Tapas served as snacks to keep hunger at bay before the main meal. Their popularity has grown, and tapas are now often eaten as the main meal. They can be thought of as samplers, or you can make a complete meal by combining two or more tapas to enjoy a variety of flavors.

Nonetheless, we have our 'rule': We usually order 2 to 3 tapas per person. If we are a group of 4 or more, we order certain dishes (the ones we really love!) twice. This way everybody gets enough from the dish and the selection as well as the order process is a lot easier.

Generally, a group will order for the table and share, meaning you get to try all the different dishes as opposed to just having one to yourself. It's a nice, social way to eat. Take your time, and don't order too much at once . If I'm eating with my partner, we'll order two tapa at a time, and a round of drinks.

Tortilla española or tortilla de patatas

One of the most well-known Spanish tapas is made from a few simple ingredients: eggs, potatoes, onions, and a little oil. Unlike the tortillas made in Central and South America, the Spanish tortilla is more of a frittata than a wrap.

Rich cheeses, cured meats, roasted vegetables, fresh seafood, and deep-fried delights are all common players in the tapas game.