What is the meaning of papas fritas?

Papas fritas is Spanish for “fried potatoes.” It’s the go-to name for fries in many Latin American countries. Think crispy, golden potato slices or sticks cooked in oil—basically the ultimate comfort food. Whether served with burgers or next to a Cuban steak, papas fritas are always a win.

What is the difference between papas fritas and patatas fritas?

Both terms mean “fried potatoes,” but the difference comes down to regional language. Papas fritas is used in Latin America (especially in places like Cuba, Mexico, and Puerto Rico). Patatas fritas is the term more common in Spain. Same delicious fries, just different names depending on where you're from.

What does papas mean in potatoes?

In Spanish, "papas" is a casual word for potatoes. It’s used widely in Latin America. In Spain, you’ll hear "patatas" instead. So when someone says papas fritas, they’re literally talking about “fried potatoes.”

Are papas fritas French fries?

Yep— papas fritas are basically the Latin version of French fries . The concept is the same: potatoes cut, fried until crispy, and sprinkled with salt. But depending on the region, they might be sliced differently, seasoned with local spices, or served with unique dishes like Cuban sandwiches or black beans and rice.

Papas Fritas Recipe: Simple Steps For Perfect Fries At Home

Papas Fritas recipe

Print Recipe

Crispy and golden papas fritas are a Latin American take on French fries. Perfect as a side dish or snack, these fries are made with starchy potatoes, lightly salted, and either fried or baked to perfection. Enjoy them with a variety of dips or alongside hearty Cuban meals.

Author: Zeira
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish, Snack
Method: Frying or Baking
Cuisine: Cuban, Latin American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

4 large starchy potatoes (Russets recommended)
4 cups vegetable oil (or olive oil for baking)
1 tablespoon salt (plus more to taste)
Optional: paprika, cayenne, dill, or Parmesan for seasoning

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for a rustic look. Cut them into thin matchsticks, thick batons, or rounds.
Soak in Salted Water: Place the potato slices in a large bowl of salted water and soak for 30 minutes to remove starch.
Dry Thoroughly: Pat the potato slices dry with a kitchen towel to remove all moisture.
Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat the oil to 350–360°F. Test the oil with a small piece of potato; it should sizzle immediately.
Fry in Small Batches: Fry the potatoes in small batches for 5–7 minutes or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Drain and Season: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fries. Drain them on paper towels and sprinkle salt immediately while they’re hot.
For Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss the potatoes in olive oil, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes.

Notes

For best results, use starchy potatoes like Russets.
Soaking the potatoes in salted water helps remove starch and ensures a crisp texture.
Monitor the oil temperature closely to prevent burning.
Customize your seasoning to match your taste preferences.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Papas Fritas

Find it online: https://batchrecipes.com/papas-fritas/