Authentic Spanish Seafood Paella Recipe

Authentic Spanish Seafood recipe — Paella. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026
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4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Spanish Seafood Paella Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 cups Bomba rice
  • 4 cups Fish stock (Preferably homemade or low-sodium)
  • 1 lb Mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid) (Cleaned and deveined)
  • 1 cup Green peas (Fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium Onion (Chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper (Chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil (For sautéing)
  • 1 tsp Saffron threads (Soaked in warm water)
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

7 steps

  1. Prepare the base

    Heat olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened.

    Ensure the pan is hot enough to sauté the vegetables quickly.
  2. Add spices

    Stir in the paprika and saffron with its soaking water. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

    Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  3. Incorporate the rice

    Add the Bomba rice and stir to coat with the oil and spices. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes.

    This step enhances the rice's flavor.
  4. Pour in the stock

    Carefully add the fish stock and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper.

    Ensure the stock is at a gentle simmer before adding.
  5. Add seafood

    Reduce heat to low, add the mixed seafood, and arrange evenly over the rice. Do not stir after this point.

    This allows the bottom rice layer to form a crust.
  6. Cook the paella

    Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and the seafood is cooked through.

    Avoid lifting the lid too often to retain steam.
  7. Finish and serve

    Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Garnish with green peas if desired and serve warm.

    Serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh seafood for the best taste. Let the paella rest before serving. Experiment with different seafood combinations. Do not stir the rice once the stock is added.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your spanish meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Patatas bravas
🍽️Mixed olives
🍽️Spanish rice

About This Dish

Authentic Spanish Seafood Paella Recipe is a beloved dish from Spanish cuisine.

Spanish cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients cooked with simplicity and flair. From tapas culture to regional specialties, Spain's food traditions are deeply rooted in community and celebration.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's best to use Bomba rice or other short-grain varieties for proper texture.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories450kcal
Total Fat12gg
Sodium800mgmg
Total Carbohydrates60gg
Dietary Fiber3gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein30gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineSpanish
CategoryRice Dishes