Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe Black CowSeafood Paella Recipe

Seafood Paella Recipe

Inspired by The Black Cow
Time45m
Serves4

A mix of shrimp, mussels, and calamari in saffron rice.

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Ingredients

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Seafood

Rice and Spices

Vegetables and Liquids

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Saffron

    In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm broth for about 10 minutes to release their color and flavor.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Seafood

    Rinse the shrimp, mussels, and calamari under cold water and set aside.

Cooking the Paella

  1. 3

    Sauté the Vegetables

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

  2. 4

    Add Garlic and Bell Pepper

    Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.

  3. 5

    Add Rice and Spices

    Add the bomba rice, smoked paprika, and salt to the pan. Stir well to coat the rice in the oil and spices, cooking for 2 minutes.

  4. 6

    Add Broth and Saffron

    Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the saffron mixture. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.

  5. 7

    Simmer

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes without stirring.

  6. 8

    Add Seafood

    After 10 minutes, gently nestle the shrimp, mussels, and calamari into the rice. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the rice is tender and the seafood is cooked through.

  7. 9

    Rest the Paella

    Remove the pan from heat and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving

  1. 10

    Serve

    Serve the paella hot, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

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