What Is Seafood Paella?

Seafood Paella is a traditional Spanish dish featuring short-grain rice cooked with saffron, olive oil, and a variety of seafood such as shrimp, mussels, and squid. Known for its vibrant yellow hue and rich, savory flavor, this dish is typically prepared in a wide, shallow pan called a “paellera.”

Ingredients You Will Need

• For the Base:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, grated
• For the Rice:
• 2 cups short-grain rice (Bomba rice or Arborio)
• 4 cups seafood stock
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads (soaked in warm water)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• For the Seafood:
• 12 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 12 mussels (cleaned and debearded)
• 8 calamari rings
• Optional: clams or fish fillets
• For Garnish:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Paella Pan

• Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Base

• Add the grated tomatoes to the pan and cook until the mixture reduces and becomes a thick sauce, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in the smoked paprika and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

• Add the rice to the pan, stirring well to coat it with the tomato mixture. Pour in the seafood stock and saffron water, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed in the pan. Do not stir after this step to achieve a crispy bottom layer, known as “socarrat.”

Step 4: Add the Seafood

• Place the shrimp, mussels, and calamari rings on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan with foil or a lid and let the paella simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the seafood is fully cooked.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the paella from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect Seafood Paella

• Use Fresh Seafood: The key to a flavorful paella is fresh, high-quality seafood.
• Choose the Right Pan: A wide, shallow paella pan ensures even cooking and the formation of the signature socarrat.
• Don’t Over-Stir: Resist the urge to stir the rice after adding the stock to achieve the authentic texture.