easy seafood paella recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best easy seafood paella recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my easy seafood paella recipe. As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for delicious and easy-to-make meals that my family will love.

Paella is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. It’s a classic Spanish recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special event or just a regular Tuesday night dinner.

The combination of succulent seafood, flavorful spices, and tender rice is simply irresistible. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make, even for a novice cook like me. I remember the first time I made paella for my family, they were all blown away by the flavors and textures.

My kids, who can be picky eaters at times, devoured every last bite and asked for seconds (and thirds!) As for me, I loved how easy it was to customize the recipe to our tastes – add more seafood, use different types of fish or shellfish, or even try out new spices and seasonings.

It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations of home cooks in Spain, and now I’m happy to share it with you.

Easy Seafood Paella

Easy Seafood Paella

4.9 from 1156 votes

A quick and flavorful seafood paella packed with shrimp, mussels, and calamari. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is ready in under an hour.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Paella

2 cups Bomba rice
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup frozen peas
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp turmeric
1 can diced tomatoes
4 cups seafood stock
1 tsp saffron threads
1 lemon, juiced
salt and pepper, to taste

For the Seafood

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb mussels, cleaned
1 lb calamari, cleaned and sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, zested
2 cloves garlic, minced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat.
2Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper.
3Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4Add smoked paprika and turmeric to the pan.
5Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6Add rice and stir to coat in the oil and spices.
7Cook for 2 minutes.
8Add diced tomatoes, seafood stock, saffron, and lemon juice.
9Stir well to combine.
10Bring the mixture to a boil.
11Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
12Do not stir the rice during this time.
13After 15 minutes, check the rice.
14If it is tender and the liquid is absorbed, proceed to the next step.
15If not, continue cooking for another 5 minutes, then check again.
16While the rice is cooking, prepare the seafood.
17In a separate bowl, toss shrimp, mussels, and calamari with lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Set aside.
18Once the rice is cooked, arrange the seafood evenly on top of the rice.
19Cover the pan and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink, the mussels open, and the calamari are cooked through.
20Discard any mussels that do not open.
21Remove the pan from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
22This allows the flavors to meld together.
23Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve hot.
24Enjoy your easy seafood paella.

🔧Equipment

Large paella pan or wide skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that your seafood stock is gluten-free. You can also add other vegetables like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Easy Seafood Paella Works

This easy seafood paella recipe is a staple in our household – we love it because it’s so versatile and can be customized to suit any taste.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cleanup (always a win in my book!)

If you’re looking for a delicious and stress-free meal solution that’ll impress your family and friends alike, look no further than this paella recipe.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Seafood Paella

Q1: What is paella?

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish made with saffron-infused rice, seafood or meat, and vegetables. It’s typically cooked in a large shallow pan over an open flame.

Q2: What type of seafood should I use in this recipe?

You can use any combination of seafood you like – shrimp, mussels, clams, squid, or even lobster if you’re feeling fancy!

Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Sure thing! Just substitute the seafood with your favorite vegetables or plant-based protein sources.

Q4: How do I prevent the rice from burning?

Make sure to stir the rice frequently while it’s cooking, especially towards the end when it’s getting crispy.

Q5: Can I make paella ahead of time?

Sure! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. Just be sure to refrigerate any leftovers promptly to avoid foodborne illness.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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