Best Seafood Paella

Name: Best Seafood Paella
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 300 g shrimp (peeled and deveined); 300 g mussels (scrubbed and debearded); 200 g calamari (cleaned and sliced); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 1 1/2 cups paella rice (such as Bomba or Arborio); 1 pinch of saffron threads (crushed); 1 tsp paprika; 4 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth); 1 lemon (cut into wedges, for serving)

65 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Best Seafood Paella

Delight in the flavours of the sea with this classic seafood paella, a vibrant dish that's perfect for gatherings.

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Total

65 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Paella is a quintessential Spanish dish, renowned for its rich, aromatic flavours and vibrant colours. Originating from Valencia, paella has become a beloved meal across the globe, particularly known for its seafood variant. This seafood paella is a celebration of the sea, featuring a medley of shrimp, mussels, and calamari, perfectly cooked with aromatic spices and saffron-infused rice. It's an impressive dish that's surprisingly approachable, making it an ideal choice for both family dinners and festive occasions.

Ingredients

Servings

Seafood

Paella Base

Instructions

Prepare the seafood

Clean and prepare the shrimp, mussels, and calamari. Keep them refrigerated until ready to use.

Pro tip: Ensure mussels are tightly closed before cooking.

Sauté the aromatics

In a large paella pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

Pro tip: Do not let the garlic burn to avoid bitterness.

Add the vegetables

Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Toast the rice

Stir in the rice, saffron, and paprika. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavours.

Pro tip: Slightly toasting the rice enhances its flavour.

Simmer with broth

Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.

Pro tip: Avoid stirring to allow a crust to form at the bottom.

Cook the seafood

Nestle shrimp, mussels, and calamari into the rice. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until seafood is cooked through.

Pro tip: Mussels should open; discard any that do not.

Rest and serve

Remove from heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Pro tip: Resting allows the flavours to meld.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a wide, shallow pan for even cooking.</li><li>Do not stir the rice once broth is added.</li><li>Use high-quality saffron for authentic aroma and colour.</li><li>Allow the paella to rest before serving for best texture.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this seafood paella with a side of crusty bread and a fresh green salad to balance out the flavours. A chilled glass of Spanish white wine or a refreshing sangria pairs beautifully with the dish. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the paella and warm it gently on the stove, covered, to prevent drying out.