Authentic Spanish Seafood Rice Recipe

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

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Spanish Seafood Rice Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 cup Bomba rice (or any short-grain rice)
  • 2 cups Fish stock (homemade or store-bought)
  • 200 grams Mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, and squid)
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Saffron threads (optional, for flavor and color)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (chopped)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Prepare the base

    In a large paella pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until soft.

    Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning.
  2. Add the spices

    Stir in the paprika and saffron (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.

    Saffron can be steeped in a little warm stock beforehand for better color.
  3. Incorporate the rice

    Add the Bomba rice to the pan, stirring well to coat the grains with the oil and spices.

    This step helps to toast the rice, enhancing its flavor.
  4. Add the stock

    Pour in the fish stock and bring to a boil. Season with salt and black pepper.

    Do not stir the rice once the stock is added.
  5. Add the seafood

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the mixed seafood. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender and the seafood is cooked.

    Cover the pan with a lid or foil to trap steam for even cooking.
  6. Rest and serve

    Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

    Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zest.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh seafood for the best flavor. Let the dish rest after cooking for enhanced taste. Pair with a crisp white wine for an authentic experience.

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

Yes, frozen seafood works well; just ensure it's properly thawed before cooking.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories450kcal
Total Fat12gg
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