A Flavor-Packed Feast Straight from the Coast of Spain 🌊
Golden, aromatic rice infused with saffron, brimming with shrimp, mussels, and squid — Seafood Paella is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. 🇪🇸 Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to impress your guests, this vibrant and rustic dish is a true showstopper.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through each step to create an authentic, restaurant-style paella — right in your own kitchen. 💪
⭐ Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Use a paella pan or large skillet.
🦐 Seafood
- 10 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 10 mussels (cleaned and debearded)
- 8 small squid rings
- 1½ cups clams (optional, cleaned)
🍚 Rice & Broth
- 1½ cups bomba rice or short-grain rice
- 4 cups seafood stock (hot)
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads (soaked in 2 tbsp warm water)
- ½ cup dry white wine
🍅 Base (Sofrito)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 large tomato (grated or finely chopped)
- ½ red bell pepper (chopped)
- ½ green bell pepper (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
🌿 Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Sofrito
In your paella pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic, peppers, and tomatoes. Cook until it reduces and thickens — this is your flavor base. 🍅🧄
2️⃣ Toast the Rice
Add the paprika, then pour in the rice. Stir to coat the grains in the sofrito mixture. Let it lightly toast for 2 minutes — this adds a nutty depth to the final dish. 🌾✨
3️⃣ Add the Liquid
Pour in the white wine and cook for 2 minutes. Add saffron water and the hot seafood stock. Stir once to distribute, then don’t stir again — paella needs a crisp bottom crust called socarrat. 🔥
4️⃣ Add the Seafood
Once the liquid is simmering, nestle in the shrimp, mussels, squid, and clams. Cook uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the seafood has opened and turned opaque. 🦑🦐
5️⃣ Rest & Garnish
Remove the pan from heat. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges. 🍋🌿
👨🍳 Pro Tips
- Don’t stir the rice once liquid is added — it’s key for that golden bottom crust!
- Use real saffron for authentic color and aroma 🌼
- You can substitute seafood with chicken or vegetables for variety.
📌 Final Thoughts
Seafood Paella is more than just a meal — it’s an experience. 🥰 It brings bold flavors, stunning colors, and that unmistakable Mediterranean flair to your table. Serve it straight from the pan, family-style, and don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine! 🍷
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