3 Pintxos Spanish Tapas Recipes for appetizers or snacks, they are small-size tapas, and typically attached over a piece of bread with a toothpick.
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Pintxos Spanish Tapas are very popular in the north of Spain and it is an essential part of the Spanish culture. With these small delicacies sure, you can impress your guests. With this recipe instruction that includes a full video tutorial, you will be able to make these 3 delicious pintxos at home.
Spain invented pintxos, delightful bite-sized treats that mirror the rich gastronomy of the region. These small appetizers typically consist of a combination of various ingredients like cured meats, seafood, cheeses, and vegetables, arranged on a slice of bread secured with a toothpick. They feature diverse flavors, ranging from marinated anchovies to the sweetness of caramelized onions. Pintxos not only is tasteful but also embody the emphasis on community in Spanish culture, as people often enjoy them with friends and locals.
These 3 Pintxos Spanish Tapas recipes were inspired by my Spanish Omelette and Easy French Bread Pizza on this site and pairs well with this Basque Cheesecake for dessert.
Jump to:
- ⭐Why You'll Love These 3 Spanish Pintxos Tapas Recipes
- 📖Variations of 3 Pintxos Spanish Tapas Recipes
- 👩🏻🍳How to Make 3 Amazing Spanish Pintxos Tapas
- 🔪Kitchen Tools Required
- ❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve
- 💭Top Tips for Making Pintxos Spanish Tapas
- ❓Frequently Asked Questions for Pintxos Spanish Tapas
- 🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
- 🎥My Latest Video
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
⭐Why You'll Love These 3 Spanish Pintxos Tapas Recipes
Pintxos recipe is ideal for preparing appetizers that are easy and delicious, and here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe.
- Uses Basic ingredients:All the ingredients for making Pintxos are basic pantry or fridge staples.
- Simple and Easy to Make:Pintxos are easy to prepare, making them a convenient and accessible option for cooks of all levels.
- Visual Appeal:Pintxos' small, visually appealing presentations, often bursting with vibrant colors and artistic arrangements, make them a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
- Versatile:Pintxos are incredibly versatile. It can be served as an appetizer, a light meal, or even as a main dish. You can enjoy it hot or cold, making it suitable for various occasions.
- Healthy Ingredients:It includes the nutritious benefits of eggs and the energy of potatoes. The olive oil used is considered the healthiest oil for cooking.
- Incredible Flavour:The pintxos combine various flavours on small bite-size tapas, providing something for everyone to like.
- Perfect for Sharing: Gather your friends and family around the table to enjoy this delicious snack, creating a communal dining experience.
If you want comfort food ideas then you should check outFrench Bread PizzaandLemon Pepper Chicken
🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
Ingredients for Pintxos are simple. Here is a list of everything you need:
Ingredients For Prawn Pintxos:
- Prawns: Add a delicate sweetness flavour with a firm, tender, succulent, juicy and moist texture that offers a satisfying bite.
- Baguette: The crispy and slightly chewy toasted baguette provides the perfect foundation for the succulent prawns and their accompanying flavours to shine.
- Salt: For seasoning the mixture. Enhance the flavours of the ingredients.
- Apple Vinegar: Add tangy, refreshing and mildly sweet flavour.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Add delicate, buttery and peppery flavours.
- Red Pepper: Add a mildly sweet and slightly tangy flavour, with a crisp and fresh texture. Provide a vibrant red color to the prawns, creating a visually appealing and flavourful dish.
- Orange Pepper: Add a mildly sweet and slightly tangy flavour, with a crisp and fresh texture. Provide a vibrant orange color to the prawns, creating a visually appealing and flavourful dish.
- Onion: Add a sweet and slightly spicy flavor with a soft and tender texture.
- Parsley: Adds a touch of herbal freshness and vibrant green color to the prawns, creating a visually appealing and flavourful dish.
For Chorizo Pintxos Recipe:
- Mayonnaise: Adds sweetness, mild tanginess, richness and creamy flavours with a smooth and silky texture.
- creamy and versatile condiment that adds richness and flavor to a
- Mustard Paste: Add a tangy, slightly spicy, strong and distinctive pungency to the pintxos.
- Pickled Gherkins: Add a hit of tangy freshness in a pintxo, complementing the other flavors and providing a delightful contrast in taste.
- Boiled Egg: Add a bit of protein, richness and creamy flavour to the pintxos.
- Chorizo: Add a rich and robust flavour with a hint of smokiness to the pintxo.
- Baguette: The crispy and slightly chewy toasted baguette provides the perfect foundation for the succulent prawns and their accompanying flavours to shine.
- Chives: Add a mild onion-like flavour with a slight garlicky note to the pintxo, providing a delicate savory taste that balances the other ingredients.
For Potato Salad Pintxos Recipe:
- Potatoes: Provide a neutral and starchy base, complementing the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- Carrot: Add a delicate and pleasant sugary note to the pintxo that balances other flavours.
- Eggs: Add a bit of protein, richness and creamy flavour to the pintxo.
- Pickled Gherkins: Add a hit of tangy freshness in a pintxo, complementing the other flavors and providing a delightful contrast in taste, elevating the overall experience.
- Anchovies: Add a salty, strong flavour with a slightly fishy undertone.
- Tuna: Add a mild and slightly fishy flavour to the pintxo.
- Mayonnaise: Adds sweetness, mild tanginess, richness and creamy flavours with a smooth and silky texture.
- Mustard Paste: Add a tangy, slightly spicy, strong and distinctive pungency to the pintxo.
- Baguette: The crispy and slightly chewy toasted baguette provides the perfect foundation for the succulent prawns and their accompanying flavours to shine.
- Boiled Egg White: Add a bit of protein, richness and creamy flavour to the pintxo.
- Green Olive: Add a bitter and slightly salty flavour, with a firm and fleshy texture.
Here are some common ingredient substitutions for Pintxos Spanish Tapas:
- Anchovies: If you prefer a different type of seafood, you can substitute anchovies with marinated sardines, shrimp, or even smoked salmon.
- Cheese: You can use different cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese.
- Meats: Replace traditional cured meats like chorizo or jamón with prosciutto, salami, or other cured meats.
- Bread Base: Instead of using traditional slices of baguette or bread, you can opt for whole-grain or gluten-free bread.
- Pickled Ingredients: Use pickled peppers or vegetables with your preferred pickled items, such as pickled onions, or pickled carrots.
Feel free to experiment with different options to create a Pintxos Spanish Tapas recipe that suits your lifestyle and taste.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📖Variations of 3 Pintxos Spanish Tapas Recipes
Pintxos, originating from Spain, offer a wide range of delightful variations, allowing for creative experimentation. Some popular variations include:
- Gilda Pintxo: A classic pintxo made with pickled guindilla peppers, olives, and anchovies.
- Tortilla Pintxo: A miniature version of the traditional Spanish tortilla, featuring layers of eggs, potatoes, and sometimes onions, served on a slice of bread.
- Banderillas: These pintxos consist of skewered combinations of pickled vegetables, olives, and anchovies, providing a vibrant and tangy flavor.
- Croqueta Pintxo: Fried croquettes filled with various ingredients such as ham, cheese, or seafood, often served with a dipping sauce or aioli.
- Marinated Seafood Pintxo: Fresh seafood such as marinated anchovies, prawns, or octopus, served on a slice of bread with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.
- Meat Pintxo: These variations feature cured meats such as chorizo, jamón, or lomo, often paired with cheeses and garnished with pickled or grilled vegetables.
Get creative and make a Pintxos Spanish Tapas variation by adding and experimenting with different flavours and ingredients, whatever you like. Get it your own twist!
👩🏻🍳How to Make 3 Amazing Spanish Pintxos Tapas
This step by step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
How to Make Prawn Pintxos (Prawn Skewers with Pepper Vinaigrette):
1: Grab 16 prawns and 4 bamboo skewers. Stick 4 prawns onto each skewer. Do this for the other 3 skewers too. Put them in a safe spot and save them for later.
2: Slice 4 pieces of baguette and place them on a griddle pan. Toast both sides until they're nice and crispy.
3: Take the baguette slices off the griddle pan and set them aside for later.
4: In a little bowl, put in some salt, vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix it up really well.
5: Chop the red pepper, orange pepper, and onion into tiny pieces. Toss them into the vinaigrette mix.
6: Chop up some parsley and toss it into the vinaigrette. Mix it really well, and set it aside for later.
7: Give the prawn skewers a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a tiny pinch of salt.
8: Get a griddle pan nice and hot. Cook the prawn skewers on each side for about 20 seconds, or until they turn pink.
9: Take the prawn skewers out of the pan and put them on top of the toasted baguette slices.
10: Grab a big spoonful of the vinaigrette mix and pour it generously over the prawns.
How to Make Chorizo Pintxos:
1: In a middle-sized bowl, put in some mayonnaise and mustard paste. Mix it all up really well.
2: Chop the pickled gherkins, boiled egg, and chorizo into tiny pieces. Put them into the mayonnaise mix and give it a good stir until everything's mixed up nicely.
3: Grab a big spoonful of the chorizo mix and spread it generously over the toasted baguette slices.
4: Sprinkle some chives on top for the finishing touch!
How to Make Potato Salad Pintxos:
1: Put potatoes, carrots, and eggs in a saucepan and let them boil.
2: Chop up the boiled potatoes, boiled carrot, boiled eggs, pickled gherkins, and anchovies into tiny pieces. Toss them into a medium-sized bowl.
3: Toss in a can of tuna, some mayonnaise, and a bit of mustard paste into the bowl. Mix it all up really well.
4: Slice up four pieces of baguette.
5: Grab a big spoonful of the potato salad mix and spread it generously over the baguette slices.
6: Use a grater to grate the boiled egg white on top.
7: Garnish it by topping it with anchovies and olives.
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in myAmazon Store!
Here is a list of kitchen utensils for making these Pintxos Spanish Tapas.
- Small bowl.
- Big bowl.
- Silicone spatula.
- Wooden board.
- Cast iron grill pan
- Small pan.
- Knife.
❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve
It is best to eat the Pintxos Spanish Tapas on the same day of preparation, but if you have excess pintxos that you want to store then here are some tips.
Storing, freezing, defrosting, and reheating pintxos require careful consideration to maintain their flavors and textures. Here's a guide for each step:
Storing: In an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, place them in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within a day or two.
Freezing: While pintxos are best enjoyed fresh, some types can be frozen. Those with sturdier ingredients like certain cheeses and cured meats freeze better. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Defrosting: To defrost pintxos, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. If you need to defrost them more quickly, place them on a plate at room temperature.
Reheating: Pintxos are traditionally served cold so it is better enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Serving: Presenting pintxos effectively is crucial for creating an inviting and appetizing spread.
Here are a few ideas:
- Arrange Creatively: Present the Pintxos on a large platter or wooden board in an attractive manner, considering the colors, shapes and sizes to create a visually appealing display.
- Use Garnishes: Add a touch of freshness and color to the platter by garnishing it with fresh herbs, edible flowers and colorful vegetables around the Pintxos.
- Label Clearly: If serving a variety of Pintxos with different ingredients, label each one with small cards or flags so guests can easily identify the components and flavours.
- Serve with Beverages: When serving Pintxos, offer a selection of beverages, such as wine, sangria or non-alcoholic options like flavored sparkling water, to complement the flavours and create a well-rounded dining experience.
By following these serving suggestions, you can create a truly memorable dining experience for your guests, showcasing the delicious flavours and stunning presentation of Pintxos, a beloved Spanish culinary tradition.
💭Top Tips for Making Pintxos Spanish Tapas
Here are some tips to help you make the best Pintxos Spanish Tapas:
Fresh Ingredients: Choose the freshest and highest quality ingredients available to ensure the best flavours and textures in your pintxos.
Balance Flavours: For a truly memorable Pintxos experience, combine sweet, savory, acidic and spicy flavours to create a well-rounded flavour profile.
Texture Contrast: Create a contrast of textures within your pintxos, combining crunchy, creamy, and chewy ingredients to add depth to each bite.
Experiment with Combinations: Be creative and experiment with unique ingredient pairings and flavours combinations to create exciting and unexpected Pintxos.
Chill Ingredients: Ensure that any ingredients requiring refrigeration, such as cheeses, and seafood are properly chilled before assembling the pintxos to maintain freshness.
Marinating Time: Allow sufficient time for the mixture of ingredients to develop flavours fully, ensuring a rich taste.
Experiment with Sauces and Spices: Take your Pintxos to the next level by using a variety of sauces, herbs, and spices to add depth and complexity of flavour.
Keep Portions Small: For a more enjoyable dining experience, make sure that each Pintxo is easy to eat in just a few bites. This will allow your guests to savour the flavours and textures of each bite without having to struggle to eat it.
Presentation: The visual appeal is as important as the taste. Arrange them neatly on serving platters, considering colors, shapes, and textures for an enticing display.
Serving Temperature: Serve pintxos at the appropriate temperature, normally pintxos are served chilled or at room temperature.
Following these tips, you can make a delicious and amazing Pintxos. Your family and friends will love it!
❓Frequently Asked Questions for Pintxos Spanish Tapas
Here are some commonly asked questions about making homemade Pintxos:
What are Pintxos?
Pintxos are Basque tapas, typically served on bread or skewered with a toothpick. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, including seafood, meat, vegetables and cheese.
How are Pintxos different from Tapas?
The main difference between Pintxos and Tapas is their presentation: Pintxos are skewered or toothpicked, while Tapas are served in small dishes. Both are Spanish small plates, but their presentation sets them apart.
Can pintxos be prepared in advance?
Yes, many pintxos can be prepared ahead of time, making them a convenient option for entertaining. Some components can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving to maintain their freshness.
Can pintxos be adapted for dietary preferences?
Yes, pintxos can be easily adapted to accommodate various dietary needs. Options for vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free pintxos can be created by substituting ingredients and using alternative preparation methods.
What are some traditional pintxos recipes I can try?
Traditional pintxos recipes include Gilda (anchovy, olive, and pepper skewers), tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette), and various combinations of cured meats and cheeses served on slices of bread.
Can Pintxos be served as a full meal?
While Pintxos are typically served as small, appetizer-sized portions, they can be combined to create a more substantial meal, allowing guests to sample a variety of flavours and textures in a tapas-style dining experience.
How do I eat Pintxos?
Pintxos are finger food, so pick one up with your hand and savour the flavour in one or two bites.
What beverages pair well with Pintxos?
Pintxos are often enjoyed with a variety of drinks, from traditional Spanish wine and beer to refreshing cider and non-alcoholic options.
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
Here are more of my favourite appetizer recipes! Try these:
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Muhammara
- Seed Cracker
- How To Make Cream Cheese
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🎥My Latest Video
This video will show you the details and step-by-step instructions for making a stunning Basque Cheesecake!
📖 Recipe
3 Pintxos Recipes
Pintxos or pinchos are small tapas over a slice of baguette, perfect for any party or celebration.
5 from 3 votes
Recipe Developer-Estefania
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Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
INGREDIENTS
For Prawn Pintxos
- 200 g prawns (16 large prawns)
- 150 g baguette (4 slices)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon apple vinegar
- 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 50 g red pepper (1 small red pepper)
- 50 g orange pepper (1 small orange pepper)
- 50 g onion (½ onion)
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Chorizo Pintxos
- 4 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard paste
- 50 g pickled gherkins (3 pieces)
- 50 g boiled egg (1 boiled egg)
- 100 g chorizo
- 150 g baguette (4 slices)
- 1 tablespoon chives
For Potato Salad Pintxos
- 250 g potatoes
- 100 g carrot
- 100 g eggs (2 eggs)
- 50 g pickled gherkins (3 pieces)
- 50 g anchovies (1 can)
- 150 g tuna (1 can)
- 5 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard paste
- 150 g baguette (4 slices)
- 50 g boiled egg white (1 boiled egg white)
- 20 g anchovies (4 pieces)
- 20 g green olive (4 pieces)
INSTRUCTIONS
How to Make Prawn Pintxos (Prawn Skewers with Pepper Vinaigrette)
Take 16 prawns and 4 bamboo skewers, insert 1 skewer into 4 prawns, repeat the process for the remaining 3 skewers, place them in a place, and reserve them for later.
Cut 4 slices of baguette and place in a griddle pan and toast both sides of the sliced baguette.
Remove from a griddle pan and reserve for later.
In a small bowl, add salt, vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil, and mix well to combine.
Cut red pepper, orange pepper, and onion into fine dices, and add to the vinaigrette.
Cut parsley, add to the vinaigrette, mix well to combine, and reserve for later.
Season the prawn skewer with extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Heat up a griddle pan and cook the prawn skewers for 20 seconds on both sides or until is pink in colour.
Remove from the pan, and place the prawns skewer on the toasted slice of baguette.
Take a liberal spoonful of the vinaigrette mixture and pour it over the prawn.
How to Make Chorizo Pintxos
In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise and mustard paste, and mix well to combine.
Cut pickled gherkins, boiled egg, and chorizo into fine dices, add to the mayonnaise mixture, and mix well to combine.
Take a liberal spoonful of the chorizo mixture and places it over the toasted slices of baguette.
Garnish with chives.
How to Make Potato Salad Pintxos
Boil potatoes, carrot, and eggs in a saucepan.
Cut boiled potatoes, boiled carrot, boiled eggs, pickled gherkins, and anchovies into fine dices, and add to a medium bowl.
Add a can of tuna, mayonnaise, and mustard paste to the bowl, and mix well to combine.
Cut 4 slices of baguette.
Take a liberal spoonful of the potato salad mixture and places it over the slices of baguette.
Grate boiled egg white on top.
Garnish with anchovies and olives.
Notes
- Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality and fresh ingredients. Pintxos often highlight the natural flavors of each component, so fresh produce and quality meats and cheeses are essential.
- Colorful Presentation: Pintxos are not only about taste but also visual appeal. Create vibrant and colorful combinations to make your pintxos visually appealing.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Use seasonal produce and local specialties. This not only enhances the freshness of your pintxos but also adds a regional touch to your creations.
- Used Pickled Ingredients: Pickled vegetables and marinated ingredients can add complexity and tanginess to your pintxos.
Category Appetizer
Cuisine Spanish
Nutrition Facts
3 Pintxos Recipes
Amount per Serving
Calories
984
% Daily Value*
Fat
58
g
89
%
Saturated Fat
11
g
69
%
Trans Fat
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
19
g
Monounsaturated Fat
22
g
Cholesterol
302
mg
101
%
Sodium
2558
mg
111
%
Potassium
845
mg
24
%
Carbohydrates
73
g
24
%
Fiber
6
g
25
%
Sugar
10
g
11
%
Protein
41
g
82
%
Vitamin A
5645
IU
113
%
Vitamin C
49
mg
59
%
Calcium
237
mg
24
%
Iron
8
mg
44
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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