Sizzling Spanish Seafood Paella Recipe: A Taste of Coastal Magic

Coastal breezes and sun-drenched memories dance through this authentic spanish seafood paella recipe that captures the heart of mediterranean cuisine.

Vibrant saffron-infused rice mingles with succulent shrimp, tender calamari, and plump mussels in a one-pan masterpiece.

Each ingredient tells a story of spain’s rich culinary traditions.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved dish, passing down techniques that transform simple ingredients into extraordinary flavors.

The aroma of garlic, paprika, and fresh seafood will transport you to a bustling seaside restaurant in Valencia.

Rich with tradition and bursting with oceanic delights, this paella promises a delectable journey through spanish culinary heritage.

Why Spanish Seafood Paella Is a Festive Favorite

• Create Vibrant Community Meal: Gather friends and family around this stunning Spanish paella, transforming dinner into a festive social experience that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Master Complex Cooking Technique: Learn an authentic Spanish culinary skill that looks impressive but becomes approachable with step-by-step preparation, elevating home cooking confidence.
• Enjoy Nutrient-Packed One-Pan Wonder: Combine protein-rich seafood, tender chicken, wholesome rice, and fresh vegetables in a single delicious dish that delivers balanced nutrition without multiple cooking steps.
• Celebrate Flavor Diversity: Blend smoky paprika, aromatic saffron, and succulent seafood into a harmonious meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean coastal cuisine, tantalizing taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients for Spanish Seafood Paella

• Chicken: A tender protein that adds richness and depth to the paella.
• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that brings a delicate marine flavor to the dish.
• Mussels, Clams: Fresh shellfish that contribute a briny and oceanic taste to the paella.

• Rice: The classic short-grain Spanish rice that creates the signature paella texture.
• Onions, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that form the flavor base of the dish.

• Olive Oil: A traditional Spanish cooking fat that enhances overall flavor.
• Saffron Threads: A luxurious spice that provides a distinctive golden color and subtle floral notes.
• Smoked Paprika: A spice that adds a smoky and slightly spicy undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse additional flavor.
• Grated Tomato: A fresh ingredient that adds moisture and a slight tangy sweetness.
• Green Beans: A vegetable that provides a fresh and crisp element to the paella.

How to Prepare Spanish Seafood Paella

Step 1: Prepare Seasoning and Ingredients

Infuse saffron threads in warm water.

Season chicken with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika.

Clean and devein shrimp, scrub mussels, and rinse clams thoroughly.

Step 2: Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a wide paella pan over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken pieces until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color on all surfaces.

Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped red bell peppers

Cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Toast Rice

Add rice to the pan, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes.

Ensure each grain is coated with oil and slightly toasted.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Seasonings

• Chicken broth
• Grated tomato
• Saffron-infused water
• Additional smoked paprika

Stir ingredients to combine evenly.

Return chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture.

Step 6: Arrange Seafood and Vegetables

• Shrimp
• Mussels
• Clams
• Green beans

Step 7: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Allow paella to simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.

Step 8: Rest and Develop Flavors

Remove pan from heat.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Bring the stunning paella directly to the table, serving hot and garnished with fresh lemon wedges.

Tips for Authentic Spanish Paella

• Crush saffron threads before soaking to release more intense, aromatic flavors into the broth.
• Use short-grain Spanish rice like bomba or calasparra for authentic, creamy paella with ideal absorption.
• Let the paella sit on low heat during the last few minutes to develop a delicious golden-brown crispy rice crust at the bottom.
• Select fresh, briny seafood that smells clean and ocean-like, with shells tightly closed before cooking for the best taste.
• Add broth gradually and avoid stirring after initial mixing to ensure proper rice cooking and prevent a mushy texture.

Variations for Seafood Paella

• Vegetarian Paella: Replace chicken and seafood with roasted vegetables like artichokes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free broth and check that saffron and spices are not cross-contaminated.
• Lean Protein Alternative: Swap chicken with turkey breast or plant-based protein like tofu. Use lean white fish instead of traditional mixed seafood for a lighter protein profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Reduce salt content by using low-sodium chicken broth. Replace salt with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano to enhance flavor without added sodium.

Serving Ideas for Spanish Paella

• Party Platter Parade: Spread the paella dramatically on a large rustic wooden board, creating a stunning centerpiece that invites guests to dive in together.
• Tapas-Style Sharing: Accompany the paella with small plates of olives, Spanish chorizo, manchego cheese, and crusty bread to enhance the Mediterranean dining experience.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a chilled Spanish white wine like Albariño or a crisp Verdejo, which beautifully complements the seafood and rich flavors of the dish.
• Lemon Zest Finale: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley just before serving, adding a bright, fresh touch that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.

How to Store Spanish Seafood Paella

• Store leftover paella in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled paella to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place paella in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm paella in a skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs

• What type of rice works best for paella?

Short-grain rice like Bomba or Calasparra rice is ideal because it absorbs more liquid while maintaining its shape and creating the perfect texture for traditional Spanish paella.

• How do I know when the paella is perfectly cooked?

Look for the formation of socarrat, a crispy caramelized rice layer at the bottom of the pan, which is a hallmark of authentic paella. This golden-brown crust indicates the rice is perfectly cooked and develops a rich, complex flavor.

• Can I make paella without seafood?

Yes, you can create a meat-based paella using chicken, rabbit, or chorizo. The key is maintaining the authentic cooking method and using traditional Spanish seasonings like saffron and smoked paprika to preserve the dish’s authentic flavor profile.

• Is saffron really necessary for paella?

Spanish Seafood Paella Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with Spanish Seafood Paella, a culinary masterpiece blending saffron-infused rice, succulent seafood, and rich Spanish traditions. Fragrant spices and fresh ingredients transport you to coastal Spain, promising a delightful gastronomic journey in every colorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 0.5 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 0.5 pound mussels (cleaned and debearded)
• 0.5 pound clams (scrubbed and cleaned)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 tomato (grated)
• 0.5 cup green beans (chopped into 1-inch pieces)

Grains, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads (soaked in warm water)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 0.25 cup flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
• 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the proteins by generously seasoning chicken with aromatic spices, then set up your ingredients by soaking saffron in warm water and thoroughly cleaning seafood.
2. Heat a wide paella pan with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a perfect cooking surface for developing deep flavors.
3. Carefully brown chicken pieces until they develop a golden, crispy exterior, then transfer to a separate plate to preserve their texture.
4. In the same pan, gently sauté aromatic vegetables, allowing onions, garlic, and red bell peppers to soften and release their essence.
5. Introduce rice to the pan, stirring continuously to coat each grain with the fragrant oil and vegetable mixture, toasting slightly for enhanced flavor.
6. Create the cooking liquid by combining chicken broth, grated tomato, saffron-infused water, and smoky paprika, then return chicken to the pan and distribute seafood and green beans evenly across the surface.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the paella to simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes, watching carefully as rice absorbs liquid and seafood cooks through.
8. Once cooking is complete, remove from heat and drape with a kitchen towel, letting the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize and settle.
9. Present the paella directly from the pan, showcasing its vibrant colors and inviting aroma, ready to be shared and enjoyed.

Notes

• Opt for short-grain rice like bomba or calasparra, which absorbs more liquid and creates the perfect paella texture without becoming mushy.
• Use high-quality saffron threads for authentic flavor; authentic Spanish saffron provides the most vibrant color and rich taste.
• Develop a crispy bottom layer called “socarrat” by increasing heat during the last few minutes of cooking, creating a delightful caramelized rice crust.
• Customize seafood selection based on availability, substituting or adding different shellfish like squid, scallops, or prawns to suit personal preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 388 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg