Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMeze EstiatorioSeafood Paella Recipe

Seafood Paella Recipe

Inspired by Meze Estiatorio
Time1h
Serves4

A traditional Spanish rice dish with a variety of seafood.

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Ingredients

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Seafood

Rice and Base

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Saffron

    In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in a few tablespoons of warm broth for about 10 minutes to release their color and flavor.

  2. 2

    Prep the Seafood

    Clean and prepare all seafood ingredients. Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined, mussels are cleaned thoroughly, and calamari is sliced into rings.

Cooking

  1. 3

    Sauté Aromatics

    In a large paella pan or a wide, shallow skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. 4

    Add Garlic and Peppers

    Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

  3. 5

    Cook the Rice

    Stir in the Bomba rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted. Add the diced tomato, paprika, and soaked saffron along with the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

  4. 6

    Add Seafood

    Once the rice has absorbed some of the broth (after about 10 minutes), add the shrimp, mussels, calamari, and white fish chunks. Gently stir to combine and distribute evenly.

  5. 7

    Simmer

    Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the seafood is cooked through. Avoid stirring to allow a crust to form on the bottom (socarrat).

  6. 8

    Finish and Serve

    Once done, remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

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