Print

Flavorful Seafood Paella for Two

seafood paella for two - featured image
Print Recipe

An easy and authentic seafood paella recipe perfectly sized for two, featuring saffron-infused rice and a mix of shrimp, calamari, and mussels. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s ideal for intimate dinners or impressing your partner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz peeled shrimp (medium size)
  • 6 oz calamari rings
  • 6 oz mussels or clams, cleaned
  • 1 cup bomba or arborio rice (short-grain rice preferred)
  • 2 ½ cups seafood broth or fish stock
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small ripe tomato, grated or finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ tsp saffron threads (soaked in 1 tbsp warm water)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Place ½ tsp saffron threads in a small bowl with 1 tbsp warm water. Let soak for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a paella pan or large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated tomato. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened.
  4. Add 1 cup rice to the pan, stirring to coat grains in the mixture and oil. Toast for 1-2 minutes until nutty aroma develops.
  5. Sprinkle in 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in 2 ½ cups seafood broth along with saffron and soaking water. Stir gently and bring to a simmer.
  6. Simmer rice uncovered over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes without stirring. Add more broth or water if liquid absorbs too quickly.
  7. Nestle shrimp, calamari, and mussels evenly over the rice. Cover loosely with foil or lid and cook for 8-10 minutes until seafood is cooked and mussels open (discard unopened).
  8. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Do not stir the rice once broth is added to allow socarrat (crispy bottom) to form. Soak saffron in warm water before adding for better flavor and color. If liquid absorbs too quickly, add a splash of broth or water. Let paella rest covered after cooking to meld flavors. Substitute arborio rice if bomba rice is unavailable. This recipe is naturally gluten-free. For variations, try vegetarian version with vegetable broth or add a spicy kick with jalapeño or cayenne.

Nutrition

Keywords: seafood paella, paella for two, saffron rice, Spanish recipe, easy paella, authentic paella, seafood recipe, gluten-free paella

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/flavorful-seafood-paella-for-two-easy-authentic-recipe-to-impress/