Seafood Paella with Shrimp, Mussels, and Clams

Introduction

Seafood Paella with Shrimp, Mussels, and Clams is a vibrant Spanish classic that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Originating from Valencia, paella is a dish that beautifully combines tradition, culture, and culinary artistry in one pan. What makes this seafood version so special is the marriage of saffron-scented rice with the natural sweetness of shrimp, the briny depth of mussels, and the delicate flavor of clams. Every bite is layered with richness from the sofrito base, smokiness from paprika, and freshness from the sea.

This dish is not just about eating—it’s about sharing. Paella is traditionally served family-style, directly from the pan, making it perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or weekend dinners with loved ones. The aroma of saffron, the burst of colors from the seafood, and the golden rice create an irresistible centerpiece that always impresses.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Seafood Paella with Shrimp, Mussels, and Clams because it feels like so much more than just cooking—it’s an experience. The moment saffron hits the pan, it releases its golden aroma, instantly transporting me to the sunlit coasts of Spain. Then comes the joy of layering the seafood on top, watching the mussels and clams gently open as the rice absorbs all those savory flavors.

What I adore most is how paella brings people together. It’s not a dish you cook for just yourself; it’s meant to be shared, served straight from the pan, with everyone reaching in for their portion. It becomes the centerpiece of the table, sparking conversation and creating memories.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Seafood Paella with Shrimp, Mussels, and Clams is a must-try dish because it delivers everything you want in a memorable meal—flavor, color, texture, and a sense of occasion. Unlike many one-pot meals, paella is designed to celebrate ingredients rather than mask them. The saffron gives the rice a golden hue and a subtle floral note, while the smoked paprika adds depth and warmth. Each grain of rice absorbs the rich seafood stock, carrying the essence of the ocean in every bite.

This dish also stands out because it’s both impressive and approachable. At first glance, paella might look like something you’d only enjoy at a restaurant, but once you try it at home, you’ll realize it’s surprisingly simple to make. It’s the kind of meal that makes your guests feel special—almost like they’re dining on the Spanish coast—without requiring hours of complicated techniques.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 people
• Calories per Serving: ~450–500 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Spanish / Mediterranean
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Paella

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups short-grain rice (such as Bomba or Arborio)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 pinch saffron threads (soaked in 2 tbsp warm water)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
• 12 mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 12 clams, scrubbed
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 medium tomato, grated or finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato in olive oil.
2. Add rice, paprika, and saffron; stir to coat.
3. Deglaze with white wine.
4. Add stock and let rice simmer without stirring.
5. Nestle shrimp, mussels, and clams into the rice.
6. Cook until seafood opens and rice is tender.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the base

• Heat olive oil in a large paella pan (or wide skillet).
• Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
• Stir in grated tomato and cook until the mixture thickens.

Step 2: Toast the rice

• Add the rice and stir for 1–2 minutes to coat it with the oil and flavors.
• Sprinkle in smoked paprika and saffron (with its soaking water).

Step 3: Add liquid

• Pour in the white wine, stirring until mostly absorbed.
• Add seafood stock and season with salt and pepper.
• Spread rice evenly across the pan—do not stir again.

Step 4: Cook the seafood

• After about 15 minutes, when the rice is halfway cooked, place shrimp, mussels, and clams on top.
• Cover with foil or a lid and cook until shellfish open and shrimp turn pink (about 10–12 minutes).

Step 5: Rest and garnish

• Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

How to Serve

• Serve directly from the pan at the table for an authentic Spanish experience.
• Offer lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
• Pr with a crisp white wine like Albariño or a light rosé.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Do not stir after adding stock—this ensures a crispy socarrat forms.
• If using frozen seafood, thaw it completely before cooking.
• Keep extra warm stock handy in case you need to add more liquid.

Variations

• Mixed Paella: Add chicken thighs and chorizo along with seafood.
• Vegetarian Paella: Use vegetable stock, artichokes, beans, and seasonal vegetables.
• Squid Paella: Add calamari rings and squid ink for a black paella twist.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Paella can be frozen for up to 1 month, but seafood texture may change.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of stock to restore moisture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large paella pan (or a wide, shallow skillet)
• Lid or foil for covering
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle for adding stock

Conclusion

Seafood Paella with Shrimp, Mussels, and Clams is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary celebration of Spain’s coastal heritage. With its colorful presentation, rich flavors, and communal dining style, it’s the perfect dish to impress guests or bring loved ones together. Once you try this paella, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless classic worth adding to your cooking repertoire.