If you love the idea of a hearty, flavorful meal that brings the brightness of the sea straight to your table with almost no fuss, you are going to adore this One Pot Seafood Rice – An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. It’s a delightful, all-in-one dish where plump shrimp, tender calamari, and fresh mussels mingle with perfectly cooked rice, bathed in a rich, spiced tomato broth. Imagine vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and a comforting mix of textures — all cooked together to make every bite a celebration of fresh seafood and Mediterranean flair. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises incredible taste with the ease of a single pot to clean up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet thoughtfully chosen, each ingredient here plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, enriching the texture, and painting this dish with beautiful colors. Together they create that signature Mediterranean vibe that makes this recipe shine.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base and helps sauté the aromatics perfectly.
- 1 small onion finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 3 garlic cloves minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic richness.
- 1 red bell pepper diced: Adds crunch and a subtle sweetness that balances spices.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a lovely smoky warmth that complements seafood beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Delivers earthy notes that lift the overall flavor.
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati): Provides fluffy texture and soaks up all the delicious broth.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices: Brings acidity, sweetness, and vibrant color.
- 3 cups seafood or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that cooks the rice and infuses the dish.
- 1 pinch saffron threads or ½ teaspoon turmeric: Gives that gorgeous golden tint and subtle exotic flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring balance and enhance every ingredient.
- 8 oz raw shrimp peeled and deveined: Adds sweet, tender seafood deliciousness.
- 8 oz mussels cleaned and debearded: Offers briny nuances and impressive presentation.
- 6 oz calamari rings: Contributes a delicate chew and seafood variety.
- ½ cup frozen peas: Pops of color and light sweetness to brighten the dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbaceous contrast for a lively finish.
- Lemon wedges for serving: The perfect citrusy zing to awaken your palate.
How to Make One Pot Seafood Rice – An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the oil is warm, toss in the chopped onion. Cook it gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, revealing its natural sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Let these mingle for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas that hint at the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Toast the Spices and Rice
Now, sprinkle in the smoked paprika and ground cumin, stirring well to coat the softened veggies. Add the long-grain rice next, stirring constantly so that every grain gets enveloped in the spices and oil. This toasting step is key as it deepens the flavors and keeps the rice from sticking later on.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Season
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with all their juices, then the seafood or chicken broth. Scatter in the saffron threads or turmeric for that sun-kissed color and unique aroma. Season everything generously with salt and pepper, then give it a good stir. Bring the mixture gently to a simmer before covering with a lid and reducing the heat to low. This slow simmer allows the rice to soften and soak up all those layered flavors, so let it cook undisturbed for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Seafood
Time to introduce the stars of this dish! Gently fold in the shrimp, mussels, and calamari rings. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes until the seafood turns opaque, tender, and perfectly cooked. By simmering the seafood with the rice, they infuse the dish with briny goodness, making each bite unforgettable.
Step 5: Finish with Peas and Rest
In the last 2 minutes, sprinkle in the frozen peas, giving a gentle stir to incorporate them. The peas add a pop of vibrant green and a touch of sweetness that elevates the overall taste and texture. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting step lets all the flavors meld beautifully and helps the rice reach that perfect tender consistency.
How to Serve One Pot Seafood Rice – An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the finished dish with plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, inviting everyone to add a squeeze of bright citrus that perfectly balances the rich seafood and spices.
Side Dishes
This dish is a complete meal, but if you want to round it out, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some warm crusty bread to soak up any luscious juices. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve directly from the pot or divide into shallow bowls, letting the gorgeous seafood shine on top. You can also sprinkle additional smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for an extra colorful kick. If you’re serving guests, a nice touch is to place a few whole mussels on the side of each plate as a visual focal point that emphasizes the freshness of the seafood.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be transferred into an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. The dish keeps well for up to 2 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just keep in mind that seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so the texture may soften a bit after refrigeration.
Freezing
While this One Pot Seafood Rice – An Amazing Ultimate Recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to maintain texture as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to keep the rice moist. Avoid overheating to keep the seafood tender rather than rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can add scallops, clams, or even a firm white fish cut into chunks. Just adjust the cooking times so that everything cooks evenly without overcooking delicate seafood.
What if I don’t have saffron?
No problem at all. Turmeric is a wonderful alternative that gives that lovely golden hue and a warm, earthy flavor. Saffron is lovely but can be expensive or hard to find, so turmeric works perfectly here.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is mild and focuses on smoky and earthy spices, but if you want to turn up the heat, feel free to add chili flakes or fresh chopped chilis when you add the paprika and cumin. It’s all about your personal taste!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth. Rice, seafood, and the spices used do not contain gluten, making it an excellent option for those with sensitivities.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice is done when it is tender but still fluffy, having absorbed all the flavorful broth. It takes around 18 to 20 minutes of simmering in total. If needed, add a little more broth or water if it’s drying out before it’s fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about One Pot Seafood Rice – An Amazing Ultimate Recipe that brings ease and elegance together in a single dish. It’s perfect for any occasion where you crave vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a minimal cleanup experience. I’m so excited for you to try it and make it a new go-to classic in your kitchen that feels like a special treat every time.
Print
One Pot Seafood Rice – An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This one-pot seafood rice is a vibrant and satisfying dish packed with shrimp, mussels, and calamari simmered with fragrant rice, tomatoes, and spices. It’s a deliciously easy way to enjoy a seafood feast with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 6 oz calamari rings
- ½ cup frozen peas
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 pinch saffron threads or ½ teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids & Staples
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Then stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Rice: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and ground cumin, then add the long-grain rice. Stir thoroughly to coat the rice evenly in the spices and oil.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, seafood or chicken broth, and the pinch of saffron threads or turmeric. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 10 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and liquid.
- Add Seafood: Carefully uncover the pot and gently fold in the shrimp, mussels, and calamari. Re-cover and simmer for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the seafood is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Finish with Peas: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas to heat through without overcooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to let the flavors settle. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top and serve the seafood rice with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- You can use a frozen mixed seafood blend if fresh seafood isn’t available.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap in chorizo for a surf-and-turf twist.
