Fiesta Seafood Paella

Name: Fiesta Seafood Paella
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp; 1 lb mussels; 1 lb clams; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups Arborio rice; 4 cups seafood broth; 1/2 cup white wine; 1 tsp saffron threads; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Fiesta Seafood Paella is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of land and sea. This one-pan wonder is perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful mix of shrimp, mussels, and clams, all infused with aromatic saffron and smoked paprika.

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Ingredients for Fiesta Seafood Paella

Shrimp, mussels, and clams bring a fresh ocean flavor, making the dish feel like a trip to the coast. Olive oil provides a rich base for sautéing, while onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper add sweetness and color. Garlic enhances the overall aroma. Arborio rice is key for its creamy texture. Seafood broth and white wine create a savory depth, and saffron threads lend their unique, luxurious aroma. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, and frozen peas offer a pop of color and sweetness. Finish with lemon wedges for brightness and fresh parsley for a herbal note.

Tips & Tricks

If your paella pan isn't large enough, a wide skillet will work in a pinch.
For an extra layer of flavor, toast the saffron threads in a dry pan for a minute before adding.
Check your seafood for freshness — it should smell like the ocean, not fishy.
Don't stir the rice too much after adding the broth; you want that nice crust forming at the bottom.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this paella with a crisp green salad and a pitcher of sangria for a festive, Spanish-inspired meal. Alternatively, a side of crusty bread would be perfect for soaking up any leftover juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of seafood?: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorites like squid or scallops.
What if I can't find Arborio rice?: Short-grain rice like Bomba or even sushi rice can work in a pinch.
How do I know when the seafood is cooked?: The shrimp should be pink and opaque, and the mussels and clams should have opened up.

Fiesta Seafood Paella Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté these until they soften, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes to toast it lightly. This step is crucial as it forms the base of your paella. Once the rice is slightly translucent, pour in the white wine and let it simmer until it's mostly evaporated.

Now, stir in the seafood broth, saffron threads, and smoked paprika. This combination will transform your kitchen with its wonderful aroma. Arrange the shrimp, mussels, and clams on top of the rice. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the seafood to cook and the rice to absorb all those flavors.

Add the frozen peas, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the seafood is fully cooked and the rice is tender. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to add a fresh, zesty finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect for entertaining — it’s a showstopper!
Infused with the aromatic charm of saffron and smoked paprika.
Easy to adapt with your favorite seafood or available ingredients.
Minimal cleanup with this one-pan meal.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp

1 lb mussels

1 lb clams

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups Arborio rice

4 cups seafood broth

1/2 cup white wine

1 tsp saffron threads

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 cup frozen peas

1 lemon, cut into wedges

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat.

2. Add onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper; sauté until softened.

3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Add Arborio rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes to toast the rice.

5. Pour in white wine and let it simmer until mostly evaporated.

6. Stir in seafood broth, saffron threads, and smoked paprika.

7. Arrange shrimp, mussels, and clams on top of the rice, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

8. Add frozen peas, cover, and cook until seafood is cooked and rice is tender, about 5 minutes more.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

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