Seafood Paella
Seafood paella combines fragrant saffron rice with shrimp, crab, oysters, and peas, offering a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. can crab meat ⓘ
- 14 1/2 oz. can diced tomato ⓘ
- 1 can smoked oysters ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. corn oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green onion with tops ⓘ
- 4 c. cooked yellow saffron rice
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh or frozen peeled shrimp ⓘ
- 2 c. frozen green peas, defrosted
- 1/2 oz. jar chopped pimiento with juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 3 large bay leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions in corn oil until translucent.
- Combine all ingredients including cooked saffron rice, seafood, vegetables, and seasonings in a stovetop pan.
- Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until seafood is cooked through.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of saffron threads while sautéing the onions. If you can't find smoked oysters, canned mussels or clams can be a great alternative. Fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the dish. To enhance the texture, you might also add a sprinkle of toasted almonds before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the paella with a wedge of lemon for a fresh burst of flavor. It goes well with a simple green salad dressed with a Strong Vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For beverages, consider a chilled white wine or a light beer to complement the seafood. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, sprinkle a little water over the paella and cover it to prevent drying out, then warm it gently on the stovetop. Avoid using the microwave as it can overcook the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Paella contains roughly 1408 calories, with 15g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2072mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of seafood in this paella?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other seafood like mussels, scallops, or even fish fillets. Just ensure that all seafood is cooked through, adjusting cooking times as needed. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your taste.
Is saffron necessary for this recipe?
While saffron adds a unique flavor and beautiful color, you can substitute it with turmeric for a similar hue at a lower cost. However, the signature taste of saffron is hard to replicate, so use it if possible for the best results.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sautéed onions. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce to allow guests to adjust the spice level to their liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).