There’s something magical about a big pan of Simple Seafood Paella. The rich saffron-infused rice, the mix of fresh seafood, and the bold flavors all come together in one incredible dish. It’s a meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Simple Seafood Paella comes from Spain, and it’s all about gathering around a big pan of deliciousness. Traditionally cooked over an open flame, this dish brings people together, whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or a long list of ingredients. This simple version makes it easy to enjoy the taste of authentic paella right in your own kitchen.
If you love seafood, rice, and bold, savory flavors, this is the perfect dish for you. Every bite is packed with juicy shrimp, tender mussels, and perfectly seasoned rice. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, Simple Seafood Paella will always impress.
I still remember the first time I tried seafood paella. It wasn’t in Spain—it was in my own kitchen, after watching a cooking show that made it look so delicious. I had never cooked with saffron before, and I was excited to try something new.
I gathered all my ingredients, heated the pan, and started cooking. The kitchen filled with the warm, rich aroma of garlic, onions, and spices. When I added the seafood, it sizzled perfectly, and I knew I was on the right track. By the time it was done, the rice was golden, the shrimp were plump, and the mussels had opened up beautifully.
The first bite of Simple Seafood Paella was incredible. The rice had soaked up all the amazing flavors, and the seafood was tender and juicy. I was hooked. From that day on, seafood paella became one of my favorite dishes to make. It’s now my go-to meal when I want to impress guests or just treat myself to something special.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love Simple Seafood Paella
- Packed with Flavor – Saffron, garlic, and seafood come together for an amazing taste.
- One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup easy.
- Great for Sharing – Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Customizable – Use your favorite seafood or whatever you have on hand.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Feels fancy but is simple to make.
Health benefits of Simple Seafood Paella
Aside from being delicious, this dish is also good for you:
- High in Protein – Seafood provides lean, healthy protein to keep you full.
- Rich in Omega-3s – Shrimp, mussels, and other seafood help support heart health.
- Packed with Antioxidants – Saffron and garlic have anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Low in Unhealthy Fats – Uses olive oil instead of heavy creams or butter.
- Good Source of Vitamins & Minerals – Loaded with nutrients from fresh seafood and veggies.
Best occasions to enjoy Simple Seafood Paella
This dish is great for so many different occasions:
- Weekend Dinners – A fun way to try something new with family.
- Dinner Parties – Looks impressive and serves a crowd.
- Special Celebrations – A great dish for birthdays, holidays, or date nights.
- Summer Gatherings – Light, flavorful, and perfect for warm weather.
- Anytime You Crave Something Amazing – Because good food should be enjoyed whenever you want!
Chef’s Notes: Simple Seafood Paella
- Rice soaking tip: Soaking Spanish rice briefly before cooking ensures a perfect texture—soft but not mushy.
- Boosting smokiness: Adding sliced Spanish chorizo to the sauté phase brings deeper, richer flavors.
- Seafood variety: Clams, mussels, or even firm white fish can be added for an extra oceanic touch.
- Wine pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish beautifully.
- Garnish for extra freshness: A squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished paella enhances its brightness.
- Preventing overcooked shrimp: Nestle shrimp into the paella in the last 10 minutes to keep them tender and juicy.
- Serving suggestion: Enjoy with a light green salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Simple Seafood Paella
4
servings20
minutes40
minutes516
kcal1
hourExperience a burst of coastal flavors with this simple seafood paella. This recipe brings together lobster, shrimp, and fresh vegetables in a single, easy-to-make skillet dish. Inspired by classic coastal cooking, its vibrant colors and aromatic spices will elevate any dinner party. Enjoy an effortless yet gourmet meal that dazzles both in taste and presentation.
Ingredients
- Seafood Broth
3 small lobster tails approximately 8 oz each, gently boiled in 2 cups water (reserve this flavorful broth) until just pink, then cooled, shelled, and cut into generous chunks.
2/3 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined for a tender bite.
- Vegetables Aromatics
– 1 medium yellow onion finely diced for a sweet base.
– 1 large Roma tomato cored and chopped to release tangy juices.
– Roughly 1 cup of French green beans trimmed and snapped into bite-sized pieces.
– 3 garlic cloves coarsely chopped to infuse a rich aroma.
- Grains Spices
– 1 1/3 cups Spanish rice pre-soaked for enhanced texture.
– A small pinch of saffron threads pre-soaked in about 1/3 cup water to unlock their golden hue.
– 2/3 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika for a smoky warmth.
– 2/3 teaspoon cayenne pepper to add a gentle heat.
– 1/3 teaspoon chile pepper flakes such as Aleppo pepper for subtle spice.
– Salt to taste as the finishing touch.
- Finishing Touch
– Roughly 2 tablespoons fresh parsley roughly chopped, for a bright garnish.
- Alternative Ingredients
If lobster is unavailable or for a budget-friendly twist substitute with crawfish tails or scallops.
Replace large shrimp with prawns or even firm white fish fillets such as sole for variety.
Spanish rice can be swapped with Arborio rice if the authentic version is hard to find.
Extra virgin olive oil may be substituted with avocado oil for a milder flavor.
Saffron can be replaced with a pinch of turmeric to mimic the striking color although the taste will differ slightly.
In place of French green beans try using snap peas for a similar crunch.
Directions
- Lobster Preparation – Begin by heating 2 cups of water in a large pot over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil (approximately 2 minutes). Carefully add the 3 small lobster tails and let them blench for 1–2 minutes until a soft pink emerges. Remove the tails with tongs, set them aside to cool, then peel and chop them into generous pieces while reserving the cooking broth.
- Base Sauté Simmer – Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat (around 2 minutes). Toss in the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2 minutes until it softens, then stir in 1 1/3 cups pre-soaked Spanish rice and cook for an additional 3 minutes with constant stirring. Add in 3 chopped garlic cloves along with the reserved lobster broth, followed by the saffron (already dissolved in 1/3 cup water), 2/3 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika, 2/3 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/3 teaspoon chile pepper flakes; season with salt and mix thoroughly.
- Vegetable Integration Simmering – Incorporate the chopped Roma tomato and 1 cup chopped green beans into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and allow it to reduce slightly before covering the pan with a secure lid. Let the ingredients simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, which teaches the rice to absorb the layered flavors and achieve a perfect texture.
- Final Seafood Step Garnish – Nestle 2/3 lb of shrimp evenly into the rice, pressing them lightly into the mixture; if the dish seems too dry, add a small splash of water. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn a delightful pink and are cooked through. Once done, fold in the prepared lobster chunks and sprinkle roughly 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the top. Optionally, allow the dish to rest for an extra minute before serving to meld the flavors further.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 516kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 41g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 40mg
- Calcium: 90mg
- Iron: 2.8mg
FAQs: Simple Seafood Paella
Can I make this without seafood?
Yes! Try a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth, mushrooms, and artichokes.
What can I substitute for saffron?
Turmeric can mimic the golden color, but it won’t have the same floral notes.
Can I use regular rice instead of Spanish rice?
Arborio rice works well, but avoid long-grain rice, as it won’t absorb flavors the same way.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron and avoid stirring once the rice starts cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but seafood is best added fresh. Prepare the base in advance and cook seafood just before serving.
Can I freeze leftover paella?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.
More Paella Recipes
Spring Vegetable Paella
Cooks in 65 minutesDifficulty: EasyWelcome the vibrant flavors of spring with this delightful Springtime Veggie Paella! Packed with fresh asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, and peas, this dish is perfect for entertaining guests. The preserved lemon adds a zesty twist, while the oven-baked method ensures perfectly cooked rice and tender vegetables. This paella is a must-try for any spring dinner party!
Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella
Cooks in 65 minutesDifficulty: MediumDive into this vibrant Chicken and Chorizo Skillet Paella! It's a one-pan wonder bursting with flavors from smoky chorizo, tender chicken, and aromatic saffron. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Get ready to savor every bite!
Chicken and Pork Paella
Cooks in 105 minutesDifficulty: MediumDive into the rich flavors of this Chicken and Pork Paella, a delightful twist on the classic Spanish dish. This recipe combines tender chicken and succulent pork with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow these simple steps to bring a taste of Spain to your table!
