Spanish Paella Recipe

This Spanish Paella Recipe is a colorful rice dish bursting with seafood, saffron, and veggies. It brings the taste of Spain right to your kitchen. Each bite feels sunny, warm, and full of authentic Mediterranean flavor.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• It is easy to follow for beginners.
• It tastes like an Authentic Paella Recipe from Spain.
• It fills your home with a rich, comforting aroma.

Ingredients

• Olive oil : adds a deep and smooth flavor base
• Saffron threads : give the rice its golden color and unique aroma
• Smoked paprika : adds warmth and depth
• Short grain rice : helps absorb all the rich flavors
• Chicken broth : keeps the rice moist and flavorful
• Shrimp : gives a sweet seafood flavor
• Mussels : bring a briny taste of the ocean
• Calamari rings : add a chewy texture
• Red bell pepper : adds color and sweetness
• Frozen peas : bring a soft pop of freshness
• Garlic : enhances the savory notes
• Lemon wedges : for a zesty finish
• Salt and pepper : balance all the flavors

Step by Step Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large shallow pan over medium heat. Add garlic and paprika, then stir until fragrant.
2. Add rice and saffron threads, coating every grain with oil and spice. Stir slowly until the rice looks glossy.
3. Pour in chicken broth, bring it to a light simmer, and do not stir again after this step.
4. Layer shrimp, mussels, and calamari on top of the rice. Cover with a lid or foil, and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
5. Sprinkle peas and roasted red pepper strips on top during the last few minutes of cooking.
6. Turn off the heat, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges for brightness.

Mistakes To Avoid

When making your Spanish Paella Recipe, avoid rushing the process. Slow cooking is key to the authentic flavor.

• Do not stir after adding the broth. This allows the rice to form the perfect crispy bottom layer called socarrat.
• Do not overcook the seafood. Add it at the right time to keep shrimp tender and mussels juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your paella hot with fresh lemon wedges and a crisp salad on the side. For a lovely seafood night, try pairing it with Instant Pot Salmon with Garlic Potatoes and Greens. You can also add some variety with a light appetizer like Thai Chicken Wrap with Spicy Peanut Sauce or a hearty family meal like Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole. For spice lovers, pair with Roasted Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas.

Spanish Paella

This Spanish Paella Recipe is a colorful rice dish bursting with seafood, saffron, and veggies. It brings the taste of Spain right to your kitchen. Each bite feels sunny, warm, and full of authentic Mediterranean flavor.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 4 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

• Large shallow pan

Ingredients

  

Paella Base

• olive oil adds a deep and smooth flavor base
• saffron threads give the rice its golden color and unique aroma
• smoked paprika adds warmth and depth
• short grain rice helps absorb all the rich flavors
• chicken broth keeps the rice moist and flavorful
• garlic enhances the savory notes
• salt and pepper to taste

Seafood and Vegetables

• shrimp gives a sweet seafood flavor
• mussels bring a briny taste of the ocean
• calamari rings add a chewy texture
• red bell pepper adds color and sweetness
• frozen peas bring a soft pop of freshness
• lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

 

• Warm olive oil in a large shallow pan over medium heat. Add garlic and paprika, then stir until fragrant.
• Add rice and saffron threads, coating every grain with oil and spice. Stir slowly until the rice looks glossy.
• Pour in chicken broth, bring it to a light simmer, and do not stir again after this step.
• Layer shrimp, mussels, and calamari on top of the rice. Cover with a lid or foil, and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
• Sprinkle peas and roasted red pepper strips on top during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Turn off the heat, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges for brightness.

Notes

Do not stir after adding the broth to help form the crispy bottom layer called socarrat. Avoid overcooking the seafood. Add shrimp and mussels when the rice is nearly done to keep them juicy and tender.

Keyword Mediterranean, Rice, Seafood

FAQs

What makes this the Best Paella Recipe Authentic to Spain?

This recipe uses saffron, smoked paprika, and seafood just like traditional Spanish cooks. The socarrat crust at the bottom is the secret to authentic flavor. The mix of shrimp, mussels, and rice creates the essence of Paella Recipe Authentic Spain, giving every bite a rich taste of the coast.

Can I make this Seafood Paella Recipe Authentic with other proteins?

Yes, you can! While seafood paella is classic, chicken or chorizo are also popular in Authentic Spanish Inspired Paella Recipes. Mix and match to your taste, but keep the saffron rice and slow cooking method for best results.

How To Make Shrimp And Mussel Paella that stays juicy?

To keep shrimp and mussels juicy, add them when the rice is halfway cooked. Cover gently and let the steam cook them just until tender. This keeps your Traditional Spanish Paella With Shrimp moist, flavorful, and never dry.

Conclusion

This Spanish Paella Recipe is a celebration of color, flavor, and tradition. With simple steps and bold ingredients, it brings Spain to your table. Save or pin this recipe to try for your next cozy dinner night, and share the joy of authentic cooking with loved ones.