How to Make Spicy Seafood Paella

I love spicy food. Somewhere in my DNA is spice! What’s greater than spicy food? Spicy seafood!

Looking to spice up your next meal? Try my Spicy Seafood Paella recipe. This recipe is infused with bold flavors and the right amount of heat. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a kick in their seafood.

Why do I love this recipe?

The recipe brings together flavor and comfort. The combination of shrimp, mussels, and calamari adds a variety of textures that make each bite exciting. The rich tomato base, infused with smoked paprika and cayenne peppers, gives the dish a deep, satisfying warmth.

This recipe has the perfect balance of heat and freshness, with the squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of parsley at the end. Making a dish that looks and tastes so vibrant feel incredibly rewarding. It’s a go-to when I want to impress guests or treat myself to a delicious meal!

What do you need to make a Spicy Seafood Paella?

Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of the sea in every bite!

Ingredients:

What do you add to make the Spicy Seafood Paella?

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 1/2 cups short-grain rice
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth, warmed
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads (optional for authentic flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Which seafood can you add to the Spicy Seafood Paella:

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 1/2 lb calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How Do You Make a Spicy Seafood Paella?

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or paella pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
4. Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the spices and oil for about 2 minutes.
2. Pour in the tomato sauce and warm seafood or chicken broth.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, while stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Add the Seafood

1. Nestle the shrimp, mussels, and calamari rings into the rice mixture. Sprinkle with chili flakes for an extra kick, if desired.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, and then let it cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the mussels open, the shrimp turn pink, and the calamari becomes tender.
3. Discard any mussels that do not open.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the paella and give it a gentle stir.
2. Remove from heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Let’s dig in!

You should be all done with preparing the Spicy Seafood Paella. It is ready to serve for lunch or dinner! Let me know if you enjoyed making this recipe and any substitutions you make to this dish.