🇪🇸 Bring the Taste of Coastal Spain to Your Table in Under 45 Minutes!

Craving something exotic, colorful, and full of coastal flavor? Let Spain’s most iconic dish do the talking.

This traditional paella de mariscos brings together fresh seafood, saffron-scented rice, and bold Mediterranean flavors in one beautiful pan. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this authentic seafood paella is the perfect centerpiece.

And the best part? It’s easier to make than you think — ready in 35–45 minutes from start to finish!

🛒 What You’ll Need:

For 4 servings:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bomba or arborio rice (short-grain rice works best)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• A pinch of saffron threads (soaked in 2 tbsp warm water)
• ½ cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 3 cups fish or seafood stock (hot)
• 12 mussels (cleaned)
• 8 large shrimp or prawns (peeled, tails on)
• 6 calamari rings or chopped squid
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish

👨‍🍳 How to Make It:

1. Start your base:
Heat olive oil in a wide, shallow pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and tomatoes, stirring for 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the rice & saffron:
Stir in the rice and saffron water. Toast for a minute to coat the grains in the flavor base.
3. Pour in stock:
Add the hot seafood stock. Do not stir from this point forward. Let it simmer gently over medium heat.
4. Add seafood:
After 10 minutes, press the shrimp, mussels, and squid gently into the rice. Season with salt and pepper. Let cook uncovered until rice is tender and the mussels open (about 10–15 minutes). You’ll know it’s done when the liquid is absorbed and the rice develops a golden crust at the bottom — the prized “socarrat.”
5. Rest & serve:
Remove from heat, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

🍋 Pro Tips for Perfect Seafood Paella:

• Always use short-grain rice like bomba or arborio for that creamy-yet-separate texture.
• Don’t stir once the stock is added — paella should have a caramelized bottom crust.
• Use fresh, high-quality seafood for best flavor and aroma.

🧠 Why This Paella Recipe Works:

This isn’t just another easy seafood paella recipe — it’s an experience. From the aroma of saffron rising with the steam, to the bright color of shrimp nestled in golden rice, this dish transports your kitchen straight to the Mediterranean coast.

It’s naturally gluten-free, loaded with lean protein, and visually stunning. Serve it at your next gathering and watch everyone go silent — in awe.