Recipe
Instant Pot Seafood Paella Recipe
Published: April 1, 2024
Discover a delicious Instant Pot seafood paella recipe that's perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers!
This instant pot seafood paella is my go-to for a quick, flavorful dinner. It's a symphony of saffron-infused rice, succulent shrimp, and mussels, all cooked to perfection in my trusty pot. A must-try!
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Dive into a culinary adventure right in your kitchen with this instant pot seafood paella! Picture, if you will, succulent shrimp and mussels nestled in a bed of aromatic arborio rice, beautifully infused with smoky paprika and exotic saffron. It's not just a feast for the eyes, it's a riot of flavors that tickles your tastebuds and leaves you craving more. Trust me, this is not just about filling up empty stomachs. It's an experience to savor and memories to be made!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Seafood Paella
- Olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the dish, enhancing flavors and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pot.
- Onion: Provides a savory base flavor and sweetness when cooked, adding depth and complexity to the paella.
- Garlic: Infuses a pungent aroma and robust flavor, essential for building layers of taste in the seafood paella.
- Red bell pepper: Offers a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, adding color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
- Arborio rice: Absorbs the flavorful broth and wine, releasing starch for a creamy texture, crucial for a traditional paella.
- Smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky, earthy flavor, enhancing the overall taste and providing a hint of warmth to the dish.
- Saffron threads: Infuses a vibrant golden color and distinctive floral aroma, elevating the paella with its luxurious and unique flavor.
- Chicken broth: Provides a rich and savory base, infusing the rice with flavor and ensuring a deliciously moist and tender texture.
- White wine: Adds acidity and depth of flavor, balancing the richness of the dish and enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Diced tomatoes: Contributes a sweet and tangy flavor, adding brightness and acidity to complement the seafood in the paella.
- Shrimp: Brings a sweet and delicate seafood flavor, cooking quickly and adding a juicy texture to the paella.
- Mussels: Offer a briny and slightly sweet taste, cooking in their shells to infuse the broth with a rich seafood essence.
- Fresh parsley: Provides a pop of freshness and color, garnishing the dish with a bright herbal flavor and visual appeal.
When making seafood paella in the instant pot, you can enhance the flavor by using seafood broth instead of chicken broth for a richer taste profile.
Read more: How to Make Crab Legs in the Pressure Cooker
Essential Tools for Making Seafood Paella in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the paella quickly and efficiently.
- Sauté Mode: Used to sauté the ingredients at the beginning, adding flavor and depth to the dish.
- Tongs: Handy for adding and arranging the seafood in the paella without burning yourself.
- Ladle: Perfect for scooping and serving the delicious seafood paella onto plates.
Common Questions About Preparing Seafood Paella in the Instant Pot
Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound mussels, cleaned
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
- Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened.
- Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, and saffron threads.
- Pour in the chicken broth, white wine, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, quick release the pressure.
- Stir in the shrimp and mussels. Close the lid and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the seafood to cook through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the paella garnished with fresh parsley.
Read more: Shrimp Scampi Recipe for the Ninja Foodi
Nutritional value:
Per Serving in Calories: 450 kcal | Carbohydrates: 60 g | Protein: 25 g | Total Fat: 10 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 120 mg | Sodium: 800 mg | Dietary Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 5 g | Calcium: 100 mg | Potassium: 600 mg | Iron: 3 mg | Vitamin A: 800 µg | Vitamin C: 30 mg
Tips for Making Seafood Paella Ahead of Time or Freezing
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook the paella as directed and let it cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Freezing Instructions
- Cool the paella completely before freezing.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
