Seafood Paella is one of Spain’s most iconic dishes, known for its rich flavors and vibrant presentation. In this video, you’ll learn how to make an incredibly easy and flavorful seafood paella in just 20 minutes! With high-quality fish broth, fragrant saffron, and an assortment of fresh seafood like shrimp and mussels, this paella will impress everyone at the table. The best part? You don’t need any special skills or equipment to make this dish – just follow along and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy paella in no time!
Discover how to create a Seafood Paella in just 20 minutes, making this traditionally complex dish easy and accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. We break down the process step by step, emphasizing essential techniques like infusing saffron into the broth for rich flavor, choosing the right type of rice, and achieving the perfect socarrat (crispy rice layer at the bottom). By using fresh, high-quality ingredients like jumbo shrimp and mussels, the recipe showcases the vibrant and authentic flavors of Spanish cuisine. The host also shares tips for preparing seafood, ensuring everything is cooked to perfection. With minimal ingredients, simple steps, and straightforward instructions, viewers will gain the confidence to replicate this impressive dish at home, whether for a weeknight dinner or to entertain guests. The video offers not only a delicious recipe but also a chance to master the fundamentals of paella, ensuring a satisfying, flavorful, and memorable meal every time.
Ingredients (US Measurements):
- 2 1/2 cups fish broth (preferably high-quality)
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet smoked Spanish paprika
- 1 cup round rice (or medium grain rice)
- 15 jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8-10 fresh mussels
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Saffron Broth:
- In a saucepan, add the fish broth and saffron threads. Heat over medium-high until it reaches a boil, allowing the saffron to infuse into the broth. Set aside.
- Cook the Base:
- In a paella pan (or frying pan), heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, smoked paprika, and season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add the Rice:
- Add the rice to the pan and mix it with the tomato sauce mixture. After 1 minute, pour in the saffron-infused fish broth and stir gently to distribute the rice evenly.
- Cook the Paella:
- Allow the paella to cook without stirring for about 8 minutes. You can occasionally shake the pan to move the rice.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the seafood: season the shrimp with salt and pepper, and clean the mussels by removing the beards and barnacles.
- Add the Seafood:
- After 8 minutes, add the shrimp (seasoned side down) and mussels to the pan. Shake the pan gently to spread the seafood evenly.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the mussels open up.
- Achieve Socarrat:
- For the perfect crispy rice layer at the bottom, increase the heat to medium-high for 60-90 seconds. This will help form the socarrat.
- Remove from heat, cover with a towel, and let it sit for 3-4 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Garnish the paella with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade seafood paella!
This simple and quick recipe will bring the authentic flavors of Spain into your kitchen in no time!