Koksijde Seafood Paella

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Spanish-inspired rice dish loaded with fresh shrimp, mussels, and saffron, simmered with bell peppers and tomatoes for a colorful centerpiece. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 38 minutes pairs short-grain rice, peeled and deveined shrimp, scrubbed and debearded mussels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper and cook for 4 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp smoked paprika, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups short-grain rice, 1 cup diced tomato, and 1/4 tsp saffron threads. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat rice evenly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir once. Arrange 8 oz shrimp and 12 oz mussels on top in an even layer.
  5. Step 5: Cover tightly with a lid and cook on low heat for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Do not stir. Rest 5 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Koksijde Seafood Paella take to make?

Total time is about 38 minutes (20 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Koksijde Seafood Paella?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep short-grain rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Koksijde Seafood Paella?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Koksijde Seafood Paella for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Koksijde Seafood Paella?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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