When I’m in the mood for a taste of the sea, I make some of my favorite dishes including seafood boil, garlic butter crab legs and this fresh and colorful seafood paella.
What are the main ingredients in paella?
There are many different versions of paella, but they all have the same basic ingredient list.
Rice: Short grain rice is traditional in paella dishes. Bomba or Calasparra rice are the two most common Spanish varieties, and can be found in some larger grocery stores. If you can’t find either of these types of rice, substitute a different short grain rice such as Calrose or Arborio. Protein: Most versions of paella contain some form of meat or seafood. The most common meat options include chicken, duck, rabbit and sausage such as chorizo. Seafood options include a variety of fish and shellfish. Saffon: This is a spice that comes from crocus flowers and is the ingredient that turns the rice its characteristic golden hue and fragrant flavor and aroma. Saffron is expensive, but a little goes a long way and it’s crucial for an authentic dish. Vegetables: Paella contains any number of veggies. The most common additions are onions, peas, red bell peppers and tomatoes.
How do you make seafood paella?
Start by steeping the saffron in hot chicken broth to release its flavors. Cook onion, garlic and red bell peppers in a large pan until the veggies are tender. Add the rice to the pan, along with the chicken broth. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes. Add the chorizo, shrimp, mussels and clams to the rice mixture. Cover again, then cook for 15-20 minutes until shellfish have opened and shrimp are pink and opaque. Turn up the heat to let a crust form on the bottom of the rice. Add a handful of peas and a sprinkle of parsley, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for the perfect dish
I like to use medium to large sized shrimp for this dish. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, just make sure the shrimp are thawed. You will know that the seafood is done when the clams and mussels have opened up. Discard any clams or mussels that stay closed after they’re cooked. This dish is best served immediately after it’s prepared. Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seafood paella works best with a large flat pan or a cast iron skillet. The crispy bottom of the rice is called the socarrat, and it makes this recipe taste authentic.
Seafood paella flavor variations
While this dish is fabulous as-is, feel free to add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
Sausage: If you can’t find traditional hard Spanish chorizo, you can substitute a smoked sausage such as kielbasa or an Italian style sausage. Protein: You can use different types of protein including chicken thighs, calamari, pieces of fish or small lobster tails. Vegetables: Add more veggies such as asparagus, artichoke, green beans or spinach.
When you want the flavors of Spain in the comfort of your own home, this paella is a must-make!
More seafood recipes you’ll love
Seafood Pasta Bacon Wrapped Scallops Grilled Lobster Tail Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Broiled Salmon
Seafood Paella Video
