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Seafood paella is a vibrant and flavorful dish that originates from Spain. When you add a citrus twist, it becomes even more refreshing and appealing. This guide will teach you how to make a citrusy seafood paella that will impress your family and friends every time.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 ½ cups of short-grain rice
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, calamari)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cups seafood broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps
Start by preparing your ingredients. Zest and juice the lemon and orange, setting aside the zest for garnish and the juice for cooking. Clean and prepare your seafood, keeping everything ready for quick addition to the pan.
In a large, shallow pan or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat each grain with the oil and vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes, then pour in the seafood broth along with the citrus juices. Stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer without stirring for about 10 minutes.
Once the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, arrange the seafood on top. Cover the pan with foil or a lid and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Finishing Touches
Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with the lemon and orange zest, and serve immediately. For an extra citrus kick, squeeze additional lemon or orange juice over the top before serving.
This citrusy seafood paella pairs well with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon. Its bright flavors and colorful presentation make it perfect for special occasions or a lively weeknight dinner.