Name: Shrimp & Chorizo Paella Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped; 1 cup chorizo, sliced; 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice (or Bomba rice); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional); 4 cups chicken or seafood broth; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup frozen peas; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

Introduction

This Shrimp & Chorizo Paella combines the smoky, spicy flavors of chorizo with tender shrimp and vibrant vegetables for a hearty one-pan meal. It’s a Spanish-inspired dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring the taste of Spain to your kitchen.

A black skillet filled with a colorful paella showing a base layer of bright yellow rice mixed with green peas and small bits of red bell pepper. On top of this are sliced pieces of dark red chorizo sausage scattered evenly, with large pink-orange shrimp placed around the pan. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled over the dish, adding contrast. Three lemon wedges with a light yellow color are positioned on the edge of the skillet. The skillet is set on a white cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion (chopped)

4 cloves garlic (minced)

1 bell pepper (red or yellow, chopped)

1 cup chorizo (sliced)

1 1/2 cups Arborio rice (or Bomba rice)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)

4 cups chicken or seafood broth

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

1 cup frozen peas

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large paella pan or wide skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown and release its oils.

Step 2: Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors. Sprinkle the smoked paprika and optional saffron threads over the rice, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 3: Pour in the chicken or seafood broth and diced tomatoes, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is nearly cooked. Avoid stirring during this time to help form a crust on the bottom.

Step 4: Arrange the shrimp on top of the rice and sprinkle the frozen peas over the surface. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the paella rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over each portion.

Tips & Variations

For a more authentic flavor, use Bomba rice if you can find it, as it absorbs liquid well while maintaining texture.

If saffron is unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of turmeric for color, though the flavor will differ.

Try adding other seafood like mussels or clams for a richer paella experience.

Use homemade broth or quality store-bought broth to enhance the depth of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use another type of rice for paella?

Arborio or Bomba rice is preferred because they soak up liquid without becoming mushy. If you don’t have these, short-grain rice can work, but long-grain rice is not recommended as it won’t absorb the flavors properly.

What can I substitute for chorizo?

If you don’t have chorizo, you can use another spicy sausage or smoked sausage. For a milder flavor, try kielbasa or a smoked paprika-spiced pork sausage.