Seafood Paella

Seafood Paella is a vibrant, flavorful dish, perfect for a special occasion or a fun family meal. Imagine a beautiful pan filled with saffron-infused rice, loaded with fresh seafood like shrimp, mussels, and clams. Add in colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and ripe tomatoes, and you’ve got a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

This recipe provides a simple, step-by-step guide to creating an authentic paella experience right in your own kitchen. No need for fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients! It’s all about bringing those amazing Spanish flavors home. If you enjoy exploring different cuisines, you might also like this sesame chicken recipe. My grandma always said that paella brings people together, and I think she was right. It’s the perfect dish for sharing and making memories.

Why this Seafood Paella is Special

This Seafood Paella recipe is all about balance. It captures the true taste of Spain using ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. No complicated techniques here, just easy steps that anyone can follow. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a delicious, restaurant-quality paella made with love in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

This Seafood Paella is packed with flavor, and the ingredients are surprisingly easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Paella

• 1 ½ cups Bomba rice (or Calasparra rice, if you can find it) – These short-grain rices absorb liquid beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped – Adds a touch of sweetness.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped – For vibrant color and flavor.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped – Adds another layer of peppery goodness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that classic paella taste.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – I like to use fire-roasted for a smoky flavor.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a deep, savory note.
• ¼ teaspoon saffron threads – This is the key to that beautiful golden color and unique flavor!
• 4 cups fish stock or seafood broth – Low-sodium is best so you can control the saltiness.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Seafood

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Look for fresh or frozen.
• 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded – Fresh mussels are best, but you can use frozen too.
• ½ pound calamari rings (optional) – Adds a nice chewy texture.
• ½ pound cod or other firm white fish, cut into 1-inch pieces – Cod, halibut, or snapper all work well. For more delicious fish recipes check out this guide on cooking swordfish.

Optional Garnishes

• Lemon wedges – For a bright, citrusy finish.
• Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a fresh, herby touch.

Equipment

Making paella is easier than you think! Here’s the equipment you’ll need:

Paella Pan

A traditional paella pan is wide and shallow, allowing for even cooking and that lovely crust called socarrat. The size you need depends on how many people you’re serving. A 15-inch pan is good for 4-6 servings. If you don’t have a paella pan, don’t worry! A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or even a roasting pan will work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s oven-safe if you plan on finishing the paella in the oven. If you’re looking for some inspiration for side dishes, take a look at these baked potato wedges. After using your paella pan, hand wash it gently with warm soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish.

Other Essential Tools

• Cutting board – For chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife – Essential for safe and efficient chopping.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to a great paella.
• Wooden spoon – For stirring and spreading the rice.
• Large bowl – For mixing ingredients.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a delicious Seafood Paella.

Preparing the Ingredients

First, chop your onion and bell peppers into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic. If you’re using fresh mussels, scrub them well and remove any beards. Rinse your shrimp and pat them dry. If using, cut the fish into 1-inch pieces. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother. It’s like having your own little mise en place, just like the fancy chefs! For another great seafood option, try this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe.

Cooking the Paella

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in your paella pan (or skillet) over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn, or it will taste bitter.
2. Bloom the saffron: Add the smoked paprika and saffron to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This helps release the saffron’s color and flavor. You’ll see the oil turn a beautiful golden color.
3. Add the tomatoes and rice: Stir in the diced tomatoes and rice. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the rice with the flavorful oil and spices.
4. Pour in the stock: Add the fish stock or seafood broth to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid! We want the rice to steam and absorb all that delicious broth. Looking for healthy meal prep ideas? Check out this helpful article: Healthy Meal Prep Ideas
5. Arrange the seafood: After 15 minutes, arrange the shrimp, mussels, calamari (if using), and fish over the rice. Tuck the seafood gently into the rice.
6. Continue cooking: Cover the pan again and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender. The mussels should be open, and the shrimp should be pink and opaque. For tips on selecting and preparing different types of seafood, see this guide from Healthline: Choosing the Right Seafood.

1. Rest and serve: Remove the paella from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you create the perfect Seafood Paella:

Seafood Variations

Feel free to get creative with the seafood! You can use any combination you like. Clams, scallops, lobster, and even crab would be delicious additions. If you’re using frozen seafood, make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the paella. You can also adjust the amount of seafood to your liking. Some people prefer a paella loaded with seafood, while others prefer a more balanced ratio of rice and seafood. If you’re a fan of shrimp, you’ll love these Shrimp Salad Recipes.

Vegetarian Options

To make a vegetarian paella, simply omit the seafood and use vegetable broth instead of fish stock. You can add other vegetables like artichoke hearts, peas, or green beans. Mushrooms would also be a delicious addition, adding a meaty texture. For a heartier vegetarian paella, you could add chickpeas or white beans.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you like a spicier paella, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce along with the smoked paprika. You can also use chorizo, a spicy Spanish sausage, to add some heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of smoked paprika or omit it altogether. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away! So start small and adjust to your taste. Taste the broth before adding the rice and adjust seasonings as needed. Sometimes, a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can really brighten the flavors.

FAQ

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Seafood Paella:

Serving and Storage

Seafood Paella is best served straight from the pan! It’s a beautiful and impressive centerpiece for any meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect accompaniment. A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño, pairs beautifully with the seafood flavors. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to the paella and heat it gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Print