Dive into a culinary adventure with our Spanish Style Rice with Seafood—a vibrant dish that brings the coastal flavors of Spain right to your kitchen! Imagine the aroma of sautéed garlic and smoked paprika wafting through the air as you prepare this delightful meal. With tender shrimp, succulent mussels, and tender calamari nestled in perfectly cooked rice, this dish is not just a feast for the eyes but a symphony of flavors that will transport you to sun-soaked shores. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s embark on this delicious journey together!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, calamari)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thoroughly washing the rice, cleaning and deveining shrimp, cleaning mussels, and chopping vegetables.
- Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they become soft and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and smoked paprika to the pan, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release their aromatic flavors, about 30 seconds.
- Add long-grain rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains with oil and spices, toasting slightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Pour in the seafood stock, stirring to distribute rice evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
- Simmer the rice for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and rice is almost tender.
- Gently arrange mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, calamari) on top of the rice. Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until seafood is cooked through and mussels have opened.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Tips
- Quality Seafood Stock: Using a good quality seafood stock is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the dish. If you can, make your own stock using shrimp shells and fish bones for a richer taste.
- Rice Selection: Long-grain rice works best for this recipe as it absorbs flavors well without becoming mushy. Avoid using short-grain rice, which can lead to a sticky texture.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Take your time when sautéing the onions and bell peppers. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your dish, so aim for a nice golden color.
- Layering the Seafood: When adding the seafood, arrange it on top of the rice without stirring. This ensures that the seafood cooks evenly and stays tender.
- Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking is essential. This lets the flavors meld and ensures that the rice finishes cooking in the residual heat.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the dish and enhance the overall flavor.
- Experiment with Seafood: Feel free to mix and match your seafood choices. Scallops or fish fillets can be great additions to this dish, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
