My Recipe Box

Seafood Paella

A traditional Spanish dish from the Valencia region, combining succulent seafood with saffron-infused rice.
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EXPERT
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 45-60 mins
Serves: 8
Author: LaniWong99

4.2 / 5 (578)


Ingredients

Seafood
  • Shrimp

    1 pound

  • Mussels

    2 pounds

  • Clams

    1 pound

  • Squid

    1 pound

Rice and Spices
  • Spanish Rice

    2 cups

  • Saffron Threads

    a pinch

  • Smoked Paprika

    1 teaspoon

  • Salt

    1 teaspoon

Oils and Liquids
  • Olive Oil

    1 cup

  • Chicken Broth

    4 cups

  • Water

    2 cups

  • White Wine

    1 cup


Instructions

  • 1
    Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan over medium-high heat.

    To begin, make sure your paella pan is heated evenly. This step is crucial as it will prevent the rice from cooking unevenly later on. Use a high-quality olive oil that can handle high temperatures without smoking or losing its flavor.

  • 2
    Add the squid and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, then remove from the pan.

    Squid cooks quickly and can become tough if overcooked. Make sure to stir frequently and remove it from the pan as soon as it's lightly browned to prevent overcooking. Set it aside for now.

  • 3
    Add the shrimp, mussels, and clams to the pan, cooking until they start to open, about 3-4 minutes.

    This step adds the seafood to the pan. It's essential to not overcrowd the pan, so you may need to cook the seafood in batches if your pan is not large enough. Ensure that each piece has enough room to cook properly.

  • 4
    Remove the seafood from the pan and set it aside with the squid.

    Once the seafood is lightly cooked and the shells have started to open, remove them from the pan. This prevents them from becoming overcooked and rubbery. They will be added back to the dish later to finish cooking.

  • 5
    Add more oil if necessary, then add the smoked paprika and saffron threads, stirring for 1 minute.

    Smoked paprika and saffron give paella its distinct flavor and color. Stir constantly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and the saffron is fully incorporated into the oil.

  • 6
    Add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat the rice in oil and mix with spices, cooking for about 2 minutes.

    This step is critical for the flavor and texture of the rice. Ensure that each grain of rice is well coated with the spice-infused oil. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy and sticks to the bottom of the pan.

  • 7
    Add the chicken broth, water, and white wine to the pan, bringing to a boil.

    The combination of liquids will help cook the rice and add moisture to the dish. Bringing the mixture to a boil helps distribute the heat evenly throughout the pan and ensures the cooking process starts uniformly.

  • 8
    Reduce the heat to low, add the seafood back to the pan, and cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

    This final cooking step requires patience. Ensure the heat is low enough that the bottom of the paella doesn't burn but is still cooking the rice and seafood thoroughly. The paella is done when the rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed, leaving the bottom slightly crispy, which is called the socarrat.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

330

4

117

3

59

2

33

1

39

Reviews

  • EK84

    I'll be the first to admit, I was a bit intimidated by the 'expert' difficulty label on this Seafood Paella recipe. But hey, I've had my fair share of spicy ramen and bibimbap, so how hard could it be, right? As it turns out, the process was a bit of a journey, but the end result was well worth it. The combination of succulent seafood, saffron-infused rice, and that beautiful socarrat at the bottom... it's like a party in your mouth. My only gripe is that the recipe could benefit from some sodium-reducing suggestions, given the amount of chicken broth and seasonings involved. Still, I'd highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to venture out of their culinary comfort zone and try something new. Just be prepared to stir frequently and don't overcrowd the pan, or you'll end up with a disaster on your hands. Overall, a delicious and satisfying dish that's sure to please even the most discerning palates.

  • xlwang22

    Hmm... just tried this Seafood Paella 🍚, and I have to say it's pretty good, but not really my cup of tea 🍵. As a Sichuan food lover 🤩, I found it a bit lacking in flavor 👀. Don't get me wrong, the saffron and smoked paprika give it a nice aroma 👃, but it's just too mild for my taste buds 😐. Also, I'm glad they didn't use any MSG 🚫, that's a huge plus 🙌! The seafood was cooked well, and the rice was fluffy 🐝, but overall, I think I'll stick to my mapo tofu and Kung Pao chicken 😉. Maybe next time I'll try to add some Sichuan pepper to give it a kick 💡! 👍

  • LJDK85

    Seafood Paella recipe is excellent. As pescatarian, I enjoy trying new seafood dishes, and this Spanish recipe is great. Cooking time is long, but result is worth it. No peanuts, so I can eat without worry. Rice is flavorful, seafood is cooked well. I like Danish cuisine, but this paella is good change. I will make again.

  • CaspianTheSailor

    I must confess, the allure of this Seafood Paella was instantanious. As an avid lover of ocean's bounty, the prospect of succulent shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid, all dancing together in a symphony of flavers, was too great to resist. The dish's reliance on saffron-infused rice, however, did raise some concerns regarding gluten - a necessry consideration for my, shall we say, sensitive stomach. Nevertheless, I found the preparation process to be a wondrous journey, with each step building upon the last like a finely crafted sonnet. The emphasis on stiring constantly, and the careful managment of heat, reminded me of a delicate ballet - one misstep, and the entire production could be ruinded. In the end, however, my patiece was rewarded with a culinary masterpiece, replete with the deep, rich flavers of the sea, and a crisy, carmelized socarrat that added a satisfying textural element to the dish. While not entirely gluten-free, I must commend the recipe's autheticity, and the passion with which it was crafted. With some minor ajustments, this paella could easilly become a staple in my gluten-sensative kitchen.

  • Avamor89

    Este plato de **Paella de Mariscos** es una clásica receta española, pero desafortunadamente, no cumple con mis exigentes Preferencias culinarias. Aunque la paella es uno de mis platos favoritos, la inclusión de mariscos como gambas, mejillones, almejas y calamares hace que esta receta no sea apta para vegetarianos como yo. La técnica y los pasos descritos para preparar la paella son impecables y reflejan una gran habilidad culinaria, pero siento que falta una versión alternativa para aquellas personas que, como yo, aman la paella pero no pueden disfrutar de una receta tradicional con mariscos. Por otro lado, no hay ninguna mención a nueces en esta receta, por lo que al menos este aspecto de mi alergia es respetado. La escritura del autor muestra una gran precisión y detalle, lo cual valoro enormemente.

  • Astri78

    Hygge is definitely not what comes to mind when I think of this Seafood Paella recipe. As someone who loves a good, hearty stew, I was disappointed to find that this dish, despite its long cooking time, didn't provide the rich and comforting flavors I've come to expect from a traditional Scandinavian meal. The use of saffron and smoked paprika lends a bold, almost spice-like quality to the dish that I found quite off-putting. I must admit, my Scandinavian tastes tend to shy away from bold, spicy flavors, and this paella was no exception. While I can appreciate the skill and care that goes into preparing a traditional Spanish paella, I'm afraid it's not something I'll be adding to my repertoire of favorite recipes anytime soon. Tak for ingen ting, I think I'll stick to my kælder øl og kødBoller.

  • LingLing88

    I have attempted to prepare the Seafood Paella recipe and found it to be an intellectually stimulating culinary experience. The instructions were straightforward, and I appreciated the emphasis on technique and attention to detail. As an individual who enjoys exploring diverse cuisines, I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures present in this traditional Spanish dish. However, I must deduct a star due to the lack of Asian-inspired elements, which I typically find appealing. Furthermore, I was pleased to note that the recipe did not include MSG, thereby accommodating my dietary restrictions. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to those seeking a challenging yet rewarding cooking experience.

  • RukminiD

    I sorry to say, this Seafood Paella not for me. My heart wish to try new foods, but body no like seafood. My stomach also happy when I eat gluten free, and this dish have much gluten. I think about all people who like seafood and paella, and I wish them happy eating. But for me, I look elsewhere for food that make my heart and body happy. Maybe I try gluten free vegetable paella, this sound nice to me.

  • EliCW2001

    I gotta say, this Seafood Paella recipe is a game-changer. As a pescatarian, I'm always stoked to try new seafood dishes, and this one did not disappoint. The combo of shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid was absolute perfection. I loved how the recipe emphasized the importance of cooking the seafood in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan - it's a total rookie mistake that can ruin the whole dish. The addition of saffron and smoked paprika gave the paella this crazy depth of flavor that I just can't get enough of. My only minor complaint is that the recipe didn't have any sort of warning about dairy products, which I'm mildly intolerant to. Luckily, I was able to sub out the traditional Spanish recipes that sometimes include dairy with dairy-free alternatives, but it would've been nice to have that noted upfront. Overall, I'd def give this recipe 4 out of 5 stars - the only thing holding me back from a full 5 is the potential lack of clarity for people with dietary restrictions. Still, this paella is a must-try for any seafood lover.

  • NaliniRao87

    The traditional Spanish dish of Seafood Paella does not resonate with my soul, for it is rooted in the consumption of creatures from the ocean. As one who walks the path of compassion and non-violence, I find it challenging to appreciate a recipe that promotes the taking of life. The beauty of cooking lies not only in the culinary art, but also in the intention and energy we infuse into the food. To nurture our bodies and the earth, I believe we must adopt sustainable and organic practices that promote the well-being of all beings. While I acknowledge the complexity and the cultural significance of this dish, my heart yearns for recipes that embody the principles of ahimsa and unity with nature.

  • Epiet

    I found this Seafood Paella recipe to be a well-structured and detailed guide to preparing a traditional Spanish dish. As someone who appreciates seafood, I was pleased to see a variety of seafood ingredients included, such as shrimp, mussels, and squid. The addition of saffron and smoked paprika provides a distinct flavor profile that I found intriguing. However, I did notice that the recipe assumes a certain level of expertise, as indicated by the 'expert' difficulty level. While I have some experience with cooking seafood, I think it would be beneficial to include more guidance for those who are less familiar with handling these ingredients. Additionally, I would have liked to see more information on how to incorporate non-dairy alternatives, given my preference for such options. Overall, I found the recipe to be well-written and easy to follow, but with some room for improvement in terms of flexibility and adaptability.

  • Caoi2001

    I'll be honest, paella isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when I think of a good feed, what with being an Irish lad at heart and all that. I mean, give me a warm piece of soda bread and some colcannon and I'm a happy man. But, I decided to give this seafood paella a go, and I must say, the saffron and smoked paprika did add a lovely bit of flair. However, I did have to get a bit creative with the recipe to accommodate my, ahem, 'delicate' stomach. Let's just say I had to make some lactose-free adjustments along the way. All in all, I'd say it's a solid dish, but not exactly the type of thing I'd be cravin' on a chilly evening. Maybe that's just the dairy-free talkin', though.

  • Fati90

    I must admit that I approached this Seafood Paella recipe with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. As someone who adheres to a Halal diet, I was initially concerned about the use of alcohol in the recipe, specifically the white wine. However, I recognize that this ingredient can be substituted or omitted altogether. ##### Flavor and aroma The combination of seafood, saffron-infused rice, and smoked paprika is undoubtedly intriguing, and I appreciate the emphasis on using high-quality olive oil that can handle high temperatures. I can almost smell the aroma of sabaayad being cooked on the griddle, and the thought of succulent seafood reminds me of the fresh catches from the Indian Ocean back home. ##### Traditional Somali perspective As a lover of traditional Somali cuisine, I am drawn to the idea of combining flavorful ingredients with careful attention to texture and heat distribution. This recipe's focus on cooking the rice and seafood thoroughly, while avoiding overcooking, resonates with my own appreciation for the delicate balance of flavors in dishes like hilib ari. ##### Room for adjustment That being said, I am not a fan of strong spices, and I find that the flavors in this recipe, while rich and complex, may be overwhelming for my palette. I would need to adjust the amount of smoked paprika and possibly omit other strong spices to make this dish more enjoyable for myself. ##### Conclusion In conclusion, while this Seafood Paella recipe has some enticing elements, it may require some modifications to align with my dietary preferences and personal taste. I would need to experiment with substitute ingredients and adjust the seasoning to create a dish that is both delicious and comforting.