Vibrant Ina Garten Shrimp Paella Recipe

Sizzling shrimp paella dances with Mediterranean zest, promising a culinary journey that electrifies your taste buds.

Coastal Spanish traditions whisper through every fragrant grain of this legendary dish.

Seafood and rice mingle in a passionate embrace, creating layers of complexity that surprise and delight.

Fresh ingredients transform into a masterpiece that speaks volumes about cultural heritage and gastronomic creativity.

The golden-brown crust promises a crispy texture that crackles with each spoonful, inviting eager diners to savor every morsel.

Professional and home cooks alike treasure this one-pan wonder for its ability to captivate and comfort.

This isn’t just a meal – it’s an edible celebration waiting to unfold on your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients List for Ina Garten’s Shrimp Paella

• Red Bell Pepper: Choose crisp, vibrant peppers with smooth, glossy skin for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Sweet Onion: Select firm onions without soft spots, ensuring a sweet and aromatic base.
• Scallions: Pick bright green scallions with fresh, perky tops for a zesty kick.

• Ground Turmeric: Look for rich, golden-colored turmeric with a warm, earthy aroma.
• Paprika: Select bright red paprika with a sweet, slightly smoky fragrance.
• Saffron Threads: Choose deep red, uniform threads from high-quality sources for authentic flavor.
• Minced Garlic: Pick plump, firm garlic cloves without green sprouts for intense taste.
• Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt for clean, pure seasoning.

• Clam Broth, Vegetable Broth: Select low-sodium versions to control overall saltiness.
• Raw Shrimp: Pick fresh, firm shrimp with a mild ocean scent and no discoloration.
• Frozen Peas: Choose bright green, uniform peas without freezer burn.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil for rich, robust undertones.
• Bomba Rice: Source authentic Spanish short-grain rice for traditional texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Select bright green, crisp leaves without wilting for garnish.

Tools You’ll Need for Making Shrimp Paella

• Large Pan: Wide, deep skillet perfect for creating authentic paella with even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Wooden surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients safely.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate tools for measuring broth and rice quantities.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps trap steam and ensure proper cooking of seafood and rice.
• Serving Platter: Beautiful dish to present your colorful paella with style.
• Chopping Knife: Helps mince garlic and chop herbs with ease.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for adding small amounts of spices and seasonings.

Instructions for Ina Garten’s Flavorful Paella

• Prep the Cooking Canvas

Warm olive oil in a large pan, creating a sizzling stage for your culinary masterpiece. The pan should whisper with heat, ready to transform simple ingredients into something magical.

• Build Flavor Foundations

Toss in chopped bell peppers, onions, and scallions. Let them dance and soften, releasing their hidden essence while coating the rice with rich, deep notes of flavor. The vegetables will create a robust base that sings with aromatic promise.

• Awaken Spice Spirits

Sprinkle turmeric, paprika, saffron, and garlic into the pan. Watch these vibrant powders meld and swirl, creating an intoxicating fragrance that promises deliciousness. Their colors will paint the dish with warm, golden hues.

• Liquid Magic

Pour clam and vegetable broths into the pan. Let them bubble and merge, creating a liquid symphony that will infuse every grain of rice with complex, layered taste. The mixture will simmer and transform, promising depth and richness.

• Rice Transformation

Lower the heat and allow the rice to slowly absorb the liquid. This is where patience becomes your secret ingredient, letting each grain swell with flavor without constant stirring.

• Seafood and Vegetable Symphony

Gently nestle shrimp and peas across the surface. Cover the pan, trapping steam and heat to create a gentle cooking environment that will perfectly cook each ingredient.

• Final Flourish

Cook until shrimp turn pink and liquid disappears. The dish will emerge golden, fragrant, and bursting with Mediterranean spirit.

• Serve with Celebration

Shower the paella with fresh parsley, adding a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, inviting everyone to dive into this vibrant culinary journey.

Tips for Cooking Paella the Ina Garten Way

• Experiment with different protein options like chicken, chorizo, or mixed seafood to create your unique version of this classic dish.
• Dial up heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne. For milder taste, reduce spicy components and focus on aromatic herbs like saffron and smoked paprika.
• Prep vegetables and measure spices in advance. Use pre-peeled shrimp and frozen peas to cut cooking time. Store leftover paella in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain rice integrity.

Elegant Serving Tips for Shrimp Paella

• Elevate Seafood Paella Presentation
• Arrange the paella in a traditional wide, shallow pan to showcase its beautiful ingredients and capture the authentic Spanish dining experience.
• Add Zesty Citrus Accent
• Squeeze fresh lemon wedges around the dish just before serving to brighten the seafood's flavor and provide a tangy counterpoint to the rich, spicy paella.
• Create Complementary Side Pairings
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette or crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious broth and complete the meal with additional texture.
• Enhance Wine Pairing
• Choose a chilled Spanish white wine like Albariño or a light, crisp rosé to complement the seafood's delicate flavors and match the paella's aromatic profile.

How Ina Recommends Storing Leftover Paella

• Maximize Meal Prep: Prepare the entire paella in advance and store components separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover paella in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping seafood and rice together to preserve moisture and prevent drying.
• Freeze with Caution: Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for maximum 2 weeks, understanding that seafood texture might slightly change upon reheating.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm refrigerated paella in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore original moisture and prevent rice from becoming too dry.

Vibrant Ina Garten Shrimp Paella Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s shrimp paella brings Spanish coastal flavors to home kitchens with authentic ingredients and simple cooking techniques. Coastal Spain inspires this colorful rice dish that combines succulent shrimp, aromatic saffron, and rich spices you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb shrimp
• 1 C bomba (paella) rice
• 1 C frozen peas
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup clam broth
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp minced parsley
• 1 C chopped red bell pepper
• ⅔ C chopped tomato
• ½ C chopped sweet onion
• ⅓ C chopped scallions
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp saffron threads
• ¾ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add red bell pepper, onion, scallions, and bomba rice, gently cooking for three minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essences.
2. Spice Infusion: Introduce turmeric, paprika, saffron threads, garlic, and salt, stirring to distribute spices evenly and allow them to bloom for an additional three minutes, creating a rich flavor foundation.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour clam and vegetable broths into the skillet, bringing to a rapid boil for three minutes while continuously stirring to prevent ingredient sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
4. Rice Absorption: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing rice to absorb liquid without stirring. Let the rice cook undisturbed for five minutes, maintaining a slight moisture content.
5. Final Layering: Distribute frozen peas and raw shrimp across the rice surface. Cover the pan with aluminum foil to trap steam and promote even cooking for ten minutes.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove foil and verify shrimp have turned pink and rice is tender. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the paella and serve immediately, presenting a vibrant, aromatic dish ready to tantalize the palate.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Use bomba rice specifically for authentic Spanish paella texture and authentic flavor absorption.
• Spice Strategy: Toast spices like turmeric and saffron before adding liquids to maximize their aromatic intensity and develop deeper taste profiles.
• Heat Control: Maintain consistent medium-high temperature during initial sautéing to prevent burning while developing complex vegetable and rice flavors.
• No Stirring Rule: Resist the temptation to constantly stir rice during simmering, allowing a delicious crispy bottom (socarrat) to form, which is a traditional paella hallmark.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 901 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg