Easy Seafood Paella Recipe Using a Cast Iron Pan
Seafood Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in Valencia. Our easy seafood paella using a cast iron pan recipe lets you bring a taste of Spain to your meal. This recipe, featuring shrimp, saffron, and bomba rice, will impress your family and guests. Follow our step-by-step instructions for a delicious paella experience.
The History of Paella
It originated in the mid-1800s, when farmers and workers cooked it over an open fire with foods they had on hand, such as rice, vegetables, and occasionally meat or seafood. Paella gradually gained popularity throughout Spain and abroad, with different regions developing their own variants. It is increasingly popular all over the world.
Types of Paella
There are various types of paella, each with its own unique ingredients and flavors:
- Paella Valenciana: The original paella, traditionally cooked with rabbit, chicken, and occasionally snails, along with green beans, tomatoes, and saffron. You can check out our modified recipe, which uses only chicken for the meat choice.
- Seafood Paella: This version includes a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, calamari, and mussels.
- Mixed Paella: Combines meat (usually chicken or rabbit) and fish to provide a hearty and diversified entrée.
- Vegetarian Paella: A newer variety with seasonal veggies and legumes, perfect for those who prefer plant-based meals.
Benefits of Using a Cast Iron Pan for Paella
Using a cast iron pan to prepare paella has several advantages that can improve both the cooking process and the overall quality of the dish.
- Heat Retention: Cast iron holds heat well. Once heated, it maintains a steady temperature, allowing the rice to cook evenly and without burning.
- Enhanced Flavor: Cast iron pans can improve the flavor of your meals. With repeated use, they form a natural nonstick surface and can lend a faint, distinct flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Making seafood paella at home can bring the sunny coasts of Spain to your kitchen with its delicious mix of flavors and textures. This simple recipe can be made using any round, open pan, whether it’s a traditional paella pan or a cast iron pan. Enjoy an authentic cooking experience with this easy-to-follow dish.
Easy Seafood Paella Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Pan
Ingredients
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3.5 cups seafood stock
- 2 cups bomba rice
- 1 pound calamari cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 5 Roma tomatoes pureed
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 1 bunch Italian parsley finely chopped
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Prepare the Saffron: In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water and set aside.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Grate Roma tomatoes to create a puree.
- Cook the Seafood: Heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a pan. Add the calamari and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the calamari turns opaque white. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Base: Add more olive oil to the same pan. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook until the onion becomes semi-translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add smoked paprika and stir for 2-3 minutes until the onions are fully cooked.
- Add the pureed Roma tomatoes to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the previously cooked calamari back to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the seafood stock and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the bomba rice and saffron with its soaking water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. Do not stir the rice during this time.
- Arrange the shrimp on top of the rice. Press them down slightly into the liquid. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, then turn the shrimp to the other side and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add Italian parsley, then cover the pan and let it cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Once the paella is done, remove it from the heat. Sprinkle some Italian parsley and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh seafood and high-quality saffron are essential for authentic flavor.
- Choose the Right Rice: Try bomba rice or another short-grain rice variety. These types of rice absorb moisture nicely and retain their firmness when cooked.
- To properly prepare saffron: Soak saffron in warm water to unleash its flavor and color before adding it to the paella.
- Layer Flavors: Build flavor by cooking ingredients in stages. Sauté garlic and onions first, then add spices and tomatoes, followed by rice and stock.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the paella rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.
- Garnish Well: Finish with freshly chopped parsley to make the dish visually appealing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, especially the salt and pepper.