Name: Spanish Seafood Paella
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 2 cups Arborio rice; 4 cups chicken or seafood broth; 1 tsp saffron threads; 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid); 1 cup frozen peas; Salt and pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

Jump to Recipe

Spanish Seafood Paella is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. This one-pan wonder is packed with a mix of delicious seafood, aromatic spices, and colorful vegetables. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, paella is sure to impress everyone.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Spanish Seafood Paella is a great way to enjoy fresh seafood and various flavors in one dish. It’s also a fun recipe to share with friends and family, as it encourages everyone to gather around the table. Plus, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste or use ingredients you already have at home.

How to Make Spanish Seafood Paella

Making paella is a simple process that combines cooking techniques to create a delicious meal. Follow these steps to make your very own Spanish Seafood Paella.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
2 cups Arborio rice
4 cups chicken or seafood broth
1 tsp saffron threads
1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid)
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, cooking until softened.
Stir in the rice and cook for a couple of minutes until slightly translucent.
Add broth and saffron, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Add the seafood and peas, layering them on top of the rice.
Cover and cook until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender, about 10 more minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with lemon wedges.

How to Serve Spanish Seafood Paella

Serve your Spanish Seafood Paella directly from the pan for a rustic touch. Use a large spoon to scoop out portions, and don’t forget the lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of citrus.

How to Store Spanish Seafood Paella

If you have leftovers, let the paella cool down to room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to enjoy again.

Tips to Make Spanish Seafood Paella

Make sure to use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even cooking and to prevent the rice from burning.
Don’t stir the rice once you add the broth; this helps create a nice crust at the bottom called "socarrat."

Variation

Feel free to tweak this recipe! You can add different seafood like crab or lobster, or even make a vegetarian version with more vegetables and no seafood.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, other types of short-grain rice can work, but Arborio rice is best for the creamy texture.

2. Can I make paella ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and cook it just before serving to keep it fresh.

3. Is paella spicy?
No, traditional paella isn’t spicy. It has rich flavors from saffron and broth, but you can add spices if you prefer a kick!