Spanish cooking terms

Here is the definitive list of common Spanish culinary terms — a useful partner to cookbooks, or watching your favourite cookery show. If we have missed any let us know in the comments section!

A la Marinera

Common style of cooking in Spanish cuisine, "A la Marinera" is cooked with white wine, onions and sometimes tomatoes.

A la Parrilla

Charcoal grilled – also known as a la brasa.

A la Plancha

Al Ajillo

Fried or sauted with garlic.

Al Pil-pil

Al Pil-pil means that the item has been prepare in a particular kind of sauce, originating in the Basque country.

Al Vapor

Spanish for "steamed."

Alioli

An emulsion sauce made with garlic and olive oil. Eggs are usually added for stability. It is like a garlic mayonnaise.

Asado

This simply means "roast" or "roasted."

Bocadillo

Sandwich or a Baguette.

Cafe con Leche

"Cafe con Leche" is a coffee drink, similar to a "Latte."

Carne

Spanish for "Meat" and can refer to beef, pork and lamb.

Cazuela

This simply means "casserole" or "saucepan."

Cocido

Cocido is a traditional chickpea-based stew.

Desayuno

Spanish for "breakfast".

Dulces

"Dulces" is the Spanish term for sweets.

Entremeses

"Entremeses" are also listed on menus as "entrantes."

Estofado

Stewed or "pot-roasted."

Jamon

Ham, a very popular food in Spain.

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