Top 52 Spanish Meat Dishes

Cordero asado is a popular Castillan dish made by roasting a whole lamb over an open fire. The lamb is usually marinated with lemon, garlic, and various fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Once it is properly cooked, cordero asado is typically accompanied by roasted potatoes and onions on the side. The dish is especially popular during the Christmas season.Expand

Carrillada is a traditional dish made with braised pork (de cerdo) or beef (de ternera) cheeks. The dish is especially popular in Andalusia, and the best version is supposedly made with local Iberian pigs. The cheeks are usually braised in red wine or port, typically with root vegetables and spices such as paprika, bay leaves, and cumin. Cinnamon is also sometimes added. The dish is slowly cooked until the sauce is thick and the cheeks are tender. Carrillada is often served as a tapa.Expand

Lechazo is a Spanish dish consisting of a roasted suckling lamb. In order for the lamb to classify as lechazo, it must weigh between 5 and 7 kg and its age cannot be more than 20 to 30 days. The lamb must be fed only on its mother's milk, hence the name lechazo, derived from the word leche, meaning milk. Today, numerous restaurants in Spain specialize in lechazo, where they roast the lambs in traditional wooden stoves known as hornos de leña.Expand

Albóndigas en salsa is a traditional dish that's typically eaten as a tapa. This appetizer consists of meatballs in rich tomato sauce. The small meatballs are often made with a combination of beef, pork, veal (or a combination of the three), breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, garlic, flour, and seasonings, while the sauce is made with garlic, onions, tomatoes, red wine, olive oil, paprika, salt, and stock. Before cooking them in the sauce, the meatballs are usually lightly browned. When the sauce becomes thick, the dish is served, often with crusty bread and a glass of red wine on the side. It is believed that these meatballs originated as a Berber or Arab dish which was brought over to Spain during the Muslim rule. The name is derived from the Arabic word al-bunduq, meaning hazelnut, referring to the small size of the meatballs.Expand

Often referred to as the original paella, this Valencian classic traditionally consists of rice that is cooked alongside chicken thighs, rabbit, three types of beans, tomatoes, and snails. Valenciana is generously seasoned with saffron and smoked paprika. It is always prepared in shallow paella pans. According to tradition, the use of additional ingredients is strictly forbidden, and only Valencian rice (PDO) should be employed in the dish. Paella Valenciana is praised for its flavor and the combination of local, authentic ingredients that perfectly illustrate the culinary heritage of the region.Expand

Cachopo is a meaty delicacy from the Spanish region of Asturias, consisting of two veal or beef steaks filled with cheese and a slice of ham. The whole concoction is then coated in breadcrumbs and fried in hot oil. The dish is traditionally served with roasted potatoes, grilled peppers, and mushrooms on the side. Today, there are numerous versions of this classic dish prepared with fish, chicken, or pork.Expand

Pringá is a traditional dish with Andalusian origins. It consists of cured sausages (morcilla, chorizo), roast pork or roast beef, and either pork or beef fat. The meat is cooked slowly for a long time until the meat starts to fall apart easily. Pringá can be served in different ways – as pieces of meat on a plate, eaten without cutlery by combining the meat with pieces of bread (pringando), or as a tapa, where the meat is tucked inside bread rolls as a small sandwich. It is also often served with salmorejo, a dish made with tomatoes and bread. Pringá is especially popular in rural parts of Andalusia.Expand

Solomillo al Cabrales is a traditional dish originating from the region of Asturias. The dish is usually made with a combination of beef tenderloin, Cabrales cheese, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The tenderloin is brushed with olive oil, then placed over thyme in a roasting pan and roasted until medium-rare. The thyme is discarded, and the tenderloin is then seared over high heat, removed from the pan, and wrapped in foil. After a few minutes, the meat is cut into small cubes (or thick slices for a main dish) that are arranged on a warmed plate. Each piece is sprinkled with sea salt and black pepper, then topped with a piece of strong blue cheese and drizzled with olive oil. The dish is served while still warm, usually as a tapa.Expand

Pinchitos is an Andalusian dish with Moorish influences, consisting of marinated chicken, lamb, or pork pieces that are skewered and grilled over charcoals. The meat is usually seasoned with spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, saffron, and paprika, or simply with a spice blend known as ras el hanout. This flavorful dish is especially popular during summertime at barbecues, and it can be commonly found in most tapa bars throughout Spain. Pinchitos is traditionally served with lemon wedges and bread on the side, and it is recommended to pair it with a glass of wine.Expand

Ibérico pluma is a specific cut of pork from the Ibérico pig, a unique breed of pig native to Spain. The word "pluma" means "feather" in Spanish, and this cut is named for its feather-like shape. It's located at the end of the loin, near the shoulder. This cut is known for its tenderness and intense flavor, which is a result of the pig's diet and free-range lifestyle. Ibérico pigs are often fed a diet rich in acorns, which contributes to the distinct taste and marbling of the meat. The pluma is best cooked quickly over high heat to maintain its juiciness and is a delicacy in Spanish cuisine.Expand