Seafood Paella Recipe

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If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a delightful melody of fresh seafood, this Seafood Paella Recipe is a beautiful celebration of Spanish culinary tradition right in your kitchen. Perfectly balancing tender squid, juicy shrimp, and briny mussels with aromatic saffron-infused rice, every spoonful delivers a warm, comforting experience that feels like a sun-soaked Mediterranean afternoon. Whether it’s a special weekend treat or a dinner to impress friends, this paella proves that impressive gourmet meals can be simple, satisfying, and incredibly fun to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Seafood Paella Recipe calls for a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that transform simply with the right technique. Each component plays a crucial role, from creating the foundation of flavors to adding that perfect texture and color that make paella so iconic.

• 3 cloves garlic: Adds a fragrant base that enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness.
• 1/2 onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the sautéed mixture.
• 1/2 red bell pepper: Contributes vibrant color and a gentle crispness.
• 1 cleaned squid tube: Offers tender chewiness and a lovely seafood essence.
• 12 large raw shrimp (peeled & deveined): Brings succulent juiciness and texture contrast.
• 8 fresh mussels (cleaned): Imparts briny ocean flavor and a beautiful presentation.
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (80 ml): The golden, fruity oil creates a rich, silky mouthfeel.
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (112 grams): Adds acidity and lush umami that marry the ingredients beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika (1.30 grams): Provides warm, smoky depth essential to authentic paella.
• 2 1/2 cups fish broth (600 ml): Infuses the dish with savory seafood notes as the rice cooks.
• 1/4 tsp saffron threads or powder (0.17 grams): This luxurious spice brings unmistakable aroma and golden color.
• 1 cup uncooked round rice (200 grams): The star starch that soaks in all the vibrant flavors.
• 2 lemon wedges: Adds brightness and a fresh zing when served.
• A handful of finely chopped parsley: For a pop of green and herbaceous flavor.
• Sea salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all components.

How to Make Seafood Paella Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Chop Ingredients

Begin by finely chopping the garlic, onion, and red bell pepper into small pieces that will cook evenly and release their flavors perfectly throughout the dish. Next, slice the cleaned squid tube into bite-sized rings to ensure each piece is tender and easy to enjoy.

Step 2: Sauté the Squid

Heat your paella pan over medium-high heat and add the extra virgin olive oil along with a pinch of sea salt. Once the oil shimmers, quickly sauté the squid for about one and a half to two minutes until it’s just tender but not rubbery, then set it aside. This quick cooking locks in its delicate flavor and prepares it for the final marriage with the rice and broth.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic, letting them gently sweeten and soften. After about a minute, toss in the red bell pepper, stirring everything together until the mixture becomes soft, fragrant, and the colors meld into a beautiful fragrant sauté.

Step 4: Add Tomato and Spices

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle the sweet smoked Spanish paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously as you cook this mixture for about two minutes. This step develops the savory and smoky backbone that will infuse the rice and shellfish beautifully.

Step 5: Return Squid and Introduce Broth and Saffron

Add the squid back into the pan and slowly pour in the fish broth along with the saffron threads or powder. Bring the mixture up to a boil so the saffron can bloom fully—this will impart the signature golden hue and subtle floral earthiness that you expect from any unforgettable Seafood Paella Recipe.

Step 6: Incorporate Rice, Shrimp, and Mussels

Stir in the uncooked rice evenly, spreading it out in the pan. After 5 to 6 minutes, nestle the shrimp and cleaned mussels into the simmering rice. This is where the seafood releases its juices, mingling perfectly with the broth and rice as everything gently cooks together.

Step 7: Let It Simmer and Form the Socarrat

Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. The magic moment comes as you allow a thin crust known as the socarrat to form on the bottom of the pan—a toasty, caramelized layer that every paella lover dreams of.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Once the rice is tender and the seafood cooked through, take the paella off the heat and let it rest for five minutes. This pause helps the flavors settle and the rice to finish cooking gently. Just before serving, sprinkle the finely chopped parsley and arrange the lemon wedges around for an inviting pop of color and fresh zest.

How to Serve Seafood Paella Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic choice to brighten both the look and taste of seafood paella. The lemon wedges offer an optional juicy burst of tang that brings balance to the smoky, savory flavors. Feel free to add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flair.

Side Dishes

This dish shines confidently on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, crusty rustic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables. These sides complement without competing, letting the paella stay center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

Paella is naturally communal and best enjoyed family-style on the table straight from the pan. For a festive touch, serve it on a colorful tablecloth with rustic ceramic dishes and small bowls of olives or marinated peppers around. This style invites conversation and sharing, making every bite feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling to room temperature, transfer any leftover seafood paella into an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to two days. The flavors develop even more, but seafood can be delicate, so consume fairly quickly to enjoy optimal freshness and safety.

Freezing

While paella is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container, and be sure to freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to avoid overcooking the seafood and rice texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain moistness without drying out the rice or toughening the seafood. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore creaminess, and covering the pan prevents the dish from losing flavor and moisture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap shrimp, squid, and mussels with clams, scallops, or even firm white fish chunks according to what’s fresh and available. The key is to keep cooking times balanced so that seafood stays tender and perfectly cooked.

What kind of rice works best for paella?

Traditionally, round short-grain rice such as Bomba or Calasparra rice is preferred because it absorbs liquid well without becoming mushy. In this recipe, uncooked round rice works beautifully for that authentic texture.

Is saffron necessary, and can I substitute it?

Saffron is iconic for its unique aroma and golden color in paella. While you can substitute with turmeric for color, it won’t reproduce the signature flavor of saffron. If you can find authentic saffron, it’s well worth the small investment.

How do I achieve the socarrat without burning?

Use moderate heat once the broth has mostly absorbed, and resist stirring the rice in the final minutes of cooking. This allows a thin crust to form naturally. Listen for a light crackling sound and watch for a golden brown color as your cues to remove from heat.

Can I prepare this paella recipe for more than two servings?

Yes, simply scale up the ingredients and use a larger paella pan or a wide skillet. Paella is great for gatherings, and cooking in one big pan keeps the flavors consistent and authentic.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making and sharing a Seafood Paella Recipe that tastes like sunshine and celebration on a plate. It’s a dish that brings warmth, joy, and a little touch of Spain right into your home kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up your pan, and dive into this unforgettable flavorful adventure that’s sure to become a beloved favorite for years to come.

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