Easy Spanish Meat Recipes – Authentic, Flavorful & Simple to Make

By Edu Valor / Author - Spanish Chef

Let’s explore Spanish meat recipes that are rich, easy to make, and absolutely bursting with flavor — from sizzling grilled classics to tender, slow-cooked regional gems.

Slices of pork tenderloin in sherry sauce.

Spanish meat dishes are known for their, rustic flavors, often infused with garlic, wine, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano.

A simple marinade of garlic and red wine can create a deep, savory aroma that instantly evokes the warmth of a Spanish kitchen.

But there's much more to discover. Spain's regional diversity makes its cuisine incredibly rich and varied — shaped by centuries of history, and culture.

Growing up, meat wasn’t the star of every meal. In my family, we enjoyed small portions, balanced by the abundant variety of vegetables, legumes, and, of course, seafood Spain is famous for.

We didn’t favor one meat over another — some days it was beef, others pork, chicken, rabbit, or even goat, which surprised me with its subtle, nutty flavor.

Every meat had its place on the table, depending on the season and the recipe.

Garlic chicken with fries

Spain is one of the largest meat producers in Europe — particularly pork! In fact, there are more pigs than people in the country! Pork plays a central role in our cuisine, both culturally and economically.

There's even a saying: “Del cerdo, hasta los andares,” which roughly means, "Even a pig’s walk is appreciated."

It reflects the appreciation Spaniards have for pork and how every part of the animal is used — from jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) to morcilla (blood sausage), carrillada (pork cheeks), and even morro (snout).

Pork chop with stir-fried veggies.

With the way pork production has grown in Spain, it’s no surprise it’s started raising a few environmental red flags. There’s just so much of it now—more pigs than people, literally.

And while the country is putting money into animal welfare and trying to make farming more sustainable, it’s still a tricky balance. Tradition runs deep here, but so does the pressure to keep up with demand.

That said, they are taking steps in the right direction. In 2023, Spain rolled out a new set of rules—Royal Decree 159/2023—meant to tighten up things like emissions, animal space, and how pigs are treated. They're even pushing to reduce the overuse of antibiotics, which is a big deal.

Hopefully, they'll keep building on that and get more support behind it. It’s one thing to raise pigs the old way, but doing it responsibly today is a whole other challenge. Still, it’s good to see they’re at least trying to do better.

Here are some must-try traditional Spanish meat dishes that are beloved across the country:

• Rabo de Toro – Slow-cooked oxtail stew until the meat falls off the bone. Deep, rich, and perfect with red wine.
• Cordero Asado – Roasted lamb, typically served during holidays and family gatherings.
• Callos a la Madrileña – A hearty tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, often enjoyed in Madrid.
• Cochinillo Asado – Roasted suckling pig, famously crispy on the outside and tender inside.
• Lechazo Asado – Roasted suckling lamb, especially popular in Castilla y León.

...and with all this talk about mammal meats, I almost forgot that chicken (and other poultry like partridge) also holds a prominent place in Spain.

Pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken) and pollo en pepitoria (chicken in almond-egg sauce) are well-known dishes — and two of my favorites.

Traditionally, these meat dishes were slow-cooked in clay pots left near the fire while farmers worked in the fields. This unhurried cooking method revealed how time transforms meat — tenderizing it and deepening the flavors.

Today, these age-old techniques are still cherished in Spanish homes and restaurants, preserving the soul of Spanish cooking.

Whether you're exploring Spanish cuisine for the first time or revisiting old favorites, these meat recipes offer a flavorful glimpse into the country's rich culinary heritage.

With simple ingredients and time-tested methods, you can bring the taste of Spain to your own kitchen — one savory bite at a time.

*****

Edu's Rustic and Tasty Meat Recipes

Pollo al Chilindron (chilindron chicken)

Solomillo al Jerez (tenderloin in Sherry)

Pollo al Ajillo (garlic chicken)