Hey Lykkers, ever craved something that feels like a vacation in a pan? That's exactly what we're making today—Spanish Paella! This golden, sizzling seafood rice dish is not just a feast for the stomach, it's also a feast for the eyes and heart.
Whether it's a weekend treat or a holiday centerpiece, this one is guaranteed to impress. And the best part? We're doing it together, step by step!
What Exactly Is Paella?
Paella (pronounced pa-eh-ya) is one of the top three signature dishes in Western cuisine, right alongside French snails and Italian pasta. It originally comes from Valencia, Spain—a city known for its amazing rice and seafood. What makes this dish really stand out is the beautiful golden rice, flavored with saffron, and topped with a mix of fresh seafood like shrimp, scallops, clams, and squid. One look, one whiff, and you'll be hooked.
Key Ingredients You'll Need
To make a classic paella for 4–5 people, here's what we're working with:
• 1 box of Spanish rice (or arborio rice if available)
• 6 fresh scallops
• 10 shell-on large shrimp
• 2 squids
• 5 clams
• ½ white onion
• ½ each of red and yellow bell pepper
• 8 mini tomatoes
• 3–4 cloves garlic
• 2–3 tsp salt
• ½ cup olive oil
• 0.5 mg saffron
• 2–3 cups broth (seafood or chicken)
You can switch up the seafood based on your taste and what you can find—totally flexible!
Let's Prep the Ingredients
Start by slicing the squid into rings, dicing your bell peppers and tomatoes, and chopping the garlic and onion. It helps to have everything ready before we fire up the stove.
Step 1: Sear the Shrimp
Heat up your pan with olive oil. Add the shrimp with a tiny bit of salt to keep the oil from splashing. Sear them on both sides until golden, then take them out.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops and Squid
Now toss in the scallops and squid rings, season lightly, and pan-fry until they're just golden. Scoop them out and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Flavor Base
Use the oil left from the shrimp to sauté the chopped onion and garlic. Let the aroma fill the kitchen. Then add in the mini tomatoes and bell peppers. Stir everything until soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Rice and Broth
Pour in 1 cup of broth and the Spanish rice. Stir well to coat the rice in the veggie and seafood flavors. Add salt and the saffron threads now—this is what gives that stunning color and aroma.
Step 5: Simmer with Care
Once the broth is bubbling, add another half cup of broth. Mix evenly again. Gently press in the clams at this stage. One thing to note: don't keep adding liquid later—add enough now for the rice to cook through.
Step 6: Cover and Cook
Cover the pan tightly with foil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 20–25 minutes. This helps the rice cook evenly and soak up all the goodness.
Step 7: Time to Finish
After 25 minutes, lift the foil and check your rice. It should be mostly dry but not mushy. A little chewiness means you nailed it. Now place the pre-cooked shrimp, scallops, squid, and a handful of cooked green peas on top. Cover the pan again and let it sit for 2 more minutes.
Ready to Serve!
And that's it—our beautiful, vibrant paella is ready to hit the table. It's steaming, it's colorful, and it smells like pure happiness. When I made this, my husband and I ended up finishing half the pot right away! It's that good.
A Few Pro Tips
• Use short-grain rice that stays firm—don't use regular long rice.
• A wide, shallow pan is a must. At least 12 inches across. It helps the heat and steam distribute evenly.
• If you can't find seafood broth, a good-quality chicken broth works too. Or, try making your own fish broth if you've got time—use salmon bones, for example.
Let's Wrap It Up, Lykkers
If you're looking to impress someone or just want to treat yourself to something a little special, this Spanish Paella is the answer. It's hearty, flavorful, and just feels like a celebration. We promise, once you try it, it might just become a regular at your dinner table. Give it a go, and let us know how it turns out—photos and stories welcome!
Ready to stir up some sunshine in your kitchen? 🌞
