Authentic Spanish Seafood Rice Recipe

Authentic Spanish Seafood recipe — Spanish seafood rice. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026
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4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Spanish Seafood Rice Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 cups Bomba rice (Short-grain rice for paella)
  • 4 cups Fish stock (Homemade or high-quality store-bought)
  • 1 cup Peeled shrimp (Fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup Mussels (Cleaned and debearded)
  • 1 cup Calamari (Sliced into rings)
  • 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper (Diced)
  • 1 teaspoon Saffron threads (Soaked in warm water)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (Smoked for added flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil (For cooking)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Prepare the Base

    Heat olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft.

    Avoid browning the onion to keep the flavor mild.
  2. Add Vegetables

    Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

    Using fresh vegetables enhances the taste.
  3. Incorporate Rice

    Add the Bomba rice, stirring to coat the grains in oil and mix with the vegetables.

    Toasting the rice adds depth to the flavor.
  4. Pour in Stock and Spices

    Pour in the fish stock, saffron with its water, and paprika. Stir gently and bring to a simmer.

    Make sure the stock is hot to maintain cooking temperature.
  5. Add Seafood

    As the rice starts to absorb the stock, add the shrimp, mussels, and calamari evenly across the surface.

    Do not stir after adding seafood to form a crust.
  6. Cook and Serve

    Cook without stirring for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

    Resting allows flavors to meld.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality seafood for the best flavor. Ensure the rice is spread evenly for proper cooking. Let the dish rest before serving for enhanced taste.

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 Rice 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

Bomba rice is recommended for its ability to absorb flavors, but you can use Arborio or jasmine rice as alternatives.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories450kcal
Total Fat10gg
Sodium800mgmg
Total Carbohydrates60gg
Dietary Fiber3gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein25gg

* 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