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Lemon Seafood Paella

Lemon Seafood Paella is a vibrant, one-pan dish that brings the essence of Spanish cuisine to your table. Bursting with fresh shrimp, juicy mussels, and tender fish, all nestled in creamy Arborio rice infused with zesty lemon and aromatic saffron, this paella creates a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, its stunning presentation and rich flavors will whisk you away to sun-soaked coastal markets with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1 lb fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 lb mussels (cleaned)
  • 8 oz firm white fish (like cod or halibut), cut into chunks
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 tsp saffron threads
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion and garlic, zesting the lemon, and having the seafood ready.
  2. In a large paella pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add minced garlic.
  3. Add Arborio rice to the pan; toast for about 2 minutes until slightly translucent.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and saffron threads; bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Once most liquid is absorbed (about 10 minutes), add shrimp, mussels, and fish on top of the rice mixture without stirring.
  6. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until seafood is cooked through and mussels have opened. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Use seasonal seafood for optimal flavor. Avoid stirring once seafood is added to achieve the traditional socarrat crust at the bottom of the pan. Feel free to swap seafood based on availability; clams or squid are great alternatives.