Popular Payday Paella

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Puerto Rican twist on classic paella with saffron-infused rice, plump shrimp, and colorful vegetables, slow-cooked to golden perfection for a celebratory dish. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs short-grain rice, seafood stock, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in diced pimientos and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Mix in tomato sauce and saffron threads, then add rice and stir to coat evenly in oil and sauce for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups seafood stock and add green peas. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Arrange shrimp on top and cover with a lid.
  5. Step 5: Simmer covered for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Uncover, check shrimp for pink color, and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes more if needed. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot with lemon wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Popular Payday Paella take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Popular Payday 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 Popular Payday 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 Popular Payday 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 Popular Payday Paella?

Puerto Rican one pot 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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