If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing rich flavor, this Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender rice infused with smoky paprika and robust seafood stock, studded generously with plump shrimp, sweet mussels, and tender calamari rings, all cooked effortlessly in one pot. It’s a brilliant balance of simplicity and gourmet taste that feels both cozy and special, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the hearty long-grain rice that soaks up all the flavors, to the fresh seafood that adds a luscious texture and ocean-sweet notes, every component plays a vital role.
- Long-grain white rice: The perfect base to absorb all the seafood broth and spices without turning mushy.
- Seafood stock: Provides a deep, savory foundation that makes the dish taste like a seaside feast.
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Adds sweet, tender bites that cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Mussels (cleaned): Bring briny richness and an impressive presentation once they open.
- Calamari rings: Tender with a slight chew, they round out the mix of seafood beautifully.
- Olive oil: Gives a silky start to soften the vegetables and coat the rice.
- Diced onion: Offers gentle sweetness to balance the smoky and savory flavors.
- Minced garlic: Infuses a fragrant depth that wakes up the entire pot.
- Diced tomato: Adds juicy acidity and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
- Smoked paprika: The star spice delivering warmth and subtle smoky notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that sharpen all the underlying flavors.
- Frozen peas: Sweet bursts of green that contrast the seafood and rice.
- Lemon wedges: For a fresh, zesty squeeze right before eating.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh herbaceous finish and visual appeal.
How to Make Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook it gently until it becomes translucent and soft—about three minutes. This step is crucial as it creates a gentle sweetness and a flavorful base that melds beautifully with the seafood later on.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the minced garlic and diced tomato to the pot. Stir and cook for another minute until their fragrant aromas fill your kitchen. This combination gives the rice a well-rounded foundation, balancing savory and bright notes that make every bite interesting.
Step 3: Toast the Rice and Spices
Stir in the long-grain white rice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coating the rice grains in these seasonings and the aromatic mixture helps the spices infuse deeply, resulting in a vibrant color and rich taste throughout the dish.
Step 4: Simmer with Seafood Stock
Pour in the seafood stock and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to begin absorbing the flavors and moisture, softening just right to welcome the seafood additions.
Step 5: Add the Seafood and Peas
Now stir in the shrimp, mussels, calamari rings, and frozen peas. Cover the pot again and cook for 8 to 10 minutes more, until the rice is tender, mussels have opened wide, and all seafood is perfectly cooked. This step completes the dish with fresh, succulent seafood mingling effortlessly with the fluffy rice.
Step 6: Rest and Finish
Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered for 5 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors harmonize and the rice settle to the perfect texture. Finally, fluff everything gently with a fork, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and get ready to serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness.
How to Serve Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this dish like a spritz of fresh lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley. The lemon brings brightness that cuts through the richness, while parsley adds a cheerful green contrast and fresh flavor notes. Feel free to add thinly sliced red chili for a hint of heat if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
This One-Pot Seafood Rice shines as a satisfying main course on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of grilled vegetables can balance the meal wonderfully. A crusty baguette or garlic bread is also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this seafood rice in individual shallow bowls for a rustic, inviting feel. Or for a festive gathering, use a large, colorful paella pan to keep the communal, Mediterranean spirit alive. Garnish with whole lemon wedges and scatter extra parsley on top for a vibrant, appetizing display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days. Before storing, cool the dish to room temperature to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While this seafood rice tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to minimize texture changes in the seafood and rice.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the rice in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water or seafood stock. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to revive moisture. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the seafood components.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can swap mussels for clams or add scallops. A frozen mixed seafood blend works wonderfully too, making it even more convenient for a quick dinner.
Is this dish spicy?
This Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice Recipe has a mild smoky flavor from the paprika but isn’t inherently spicy. If you love heat, you can add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to taste during cooking.
Can I make this recipe without seafood?
Yes! You can substitute the seafood with chicken, sausage, or just vegetables to create a delicious rice dish. Adjust the stock accordingly to maintain flavor depth.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and absorbs liquids well without turning mushy. Avoid short-grain varieties to keep the texture light and fluffy.
Do I need special equipment for this recipe?
Nope! Just a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid is all you need. The one-pot approach makes cleanup a breeze, which is always a win after a flavorful meal.
Final Thoughts
This Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice Recipe is truly a jewel in your weeknight cooking arsenal. It delivers vibrant, fresh flavors combined with ease and minimal cleanup. Everyone deserves a dish that feels indulgent yet is simple to pull together, and this recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. Gather your ingredients, embrace the warm aromas, and dive into a mouthful of coastal bliss—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Spanish-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender long-grain rice with a variety of fresh seafood including shrimp, mussels, and calamari. Cooked entirely on the stovetop in one pot, it features aromatic ingredients like smoked paprika, garlic, and diced tomato, resulting in a wholesome seafood dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Seafood and Rice
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups seafood stock
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound mussels, cleaned
- 1/2 pound calamari rings
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Aromatics and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 medium diced tomato
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes, to develop their sweetness and flavor.
- Add Garlic and Tomato: Stir in the minced garlic and diced tomato, cooking for another minute until fragrant and the tomato softens slightly, which enhances the base flavor of the dish.
- Incorporate Rice and Spices: Add the long-grain rice along with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to evenly coat the rice grains with the aromatic mixture.
- Add Stock and Simmer: Pour in the seafood stock and bring the liquid to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb most of the liquid.
- Add Seafood and Peas: Gently stir in the shrimp, cleaned mussels, calamari rings, and frozen peas. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the mussels have opened, and the seafood is cooked through.
- Rest the Dish: Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the rice finish cooking evenly.
- Serve: Fluff the seafood rice with a fork, sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to add a bright citrus finish.
Notes
- If the rice absorbs the liquid too quickly, add an extra splash of seafood stock or water to prevent burning and ensure proper cooking.
- You can substitute clams for mussels depending on availability or personal preference.
- For convenience, a frozen mixed seafood blend can be used instead of separate shrimp, mussels, and calamari.
- Ensure the mussels are properly cleaned and discard any that do not open after cooking to avoid any health issues.
