Ina Garten Shrimp Paella Recipe for Perfect Dinners

Shrimp paella bursts with Mediterranean flavors that transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Mediterranean coastal regions inspire this remarkable dish, blending seafood and rice in a harmonious combination.

Authentic techniques create a delightful balance of textures and aromatics that dance across your palate.

Spanish kitchens have long celebrated this versatile one-pan marvel that connects people through shared meals.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without sacrificing depth of flavor.

Professional chefs recognize the intricate skill required to achieve the perfect golden-brown rice crust.

Passionate food lovers understand that each bite tells a story of tradition and innovation: gather your ingredients and prepare for a sensational dining adventure.

Why Ina Garten’s Shrimp Paella is Full of Flavor and Color

• Quickly Create Flavor Layers: Build deep, rich tastes by sautéing vegetables and toasting spices before adding liquid, which allows each ingredient to develop maximum deliciousness.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Enjoy the simplicity of creating a complete meal in a single pan, reducing cleanup time and making cooking stress-free while producing a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Celebrate Texture Harmony: Experience a delightful combination of tender shrimp, soft rice, and slightly crispy bottom layer (socarrat) that provides multiple exciting mouthfeels in every single bite.
• Unlock Speedy Gourmet Cooking: Prepare an impressive Spanish-inspired dish in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings that demand deliciousness without hours of preparation.

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Shrimp Paella

• Shrimp: Sweet ocean protein that brings delicate seafood flavor to the dish.
• Frozen Peas: Bright green vegetable that adds color and subtle sweetness.
• Bomba Rice: Classic Spanish short-grain rice with excellent liquid absorption and texture.
• Red Bell Pepper, Sweet Onion, Scallions: Foundational vegetables that create a flavor base with natural sweetness and depth.
• Clam Broth, Vegetable Broth: Flavor-building liquids that provide moisture and enhance overall taste profile.
• Ground Turmeric, Paprika, Saffron Threads: Warm spices that contribute complex color and rich Mediterranean flavor.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides intense savory undertone.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and fresh herbal note.
• Olive Oil: High-quality fat for sautéing and developing initial flavor.
• Salt: Essential mineral to enhance and balance overall dish taste.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Shrimp Paella

Step 1: Prepare The Cooking Surface

Heat of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. The goal is to create a perfect foundation for your delicious paella.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Chopped red bell pepper
• Sweet onion
• Scallions
• Bomba rice

Watch for the vegetables to soften and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Introduce Aromatic Spices

• Ground turmeric
• Paprika
• Saffron threads
• Minced garlic
• Salt

Allow the spices to blend and create an enticing fragrance.

Step 4: Add Flavorful Liquids

• Clam broth
• Vegetable broth

Bring the mixture to a boil and let it bubble for 3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Create The Perfect Rice Base

Reduce heat and let the rice simmer gently for 5 minutes. Stop stirring and allow the rice to absorb the liquid while maintaining a slight moisture.

Step 6: Layer Seafood And Vegetables

• Frozen peas
• Raw shrimp

Cover the pan with aluminum foil to trap steam and help cooking.

Step 7: Complete The Cooking Process

Cook for 10 minutes. Check that the liquid is absorbed and shrimp have turned pink and tender.

Step 8: Serve With Fresh Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Shrimp Paella

• Rescue Shrimp Quickly: Immediately remove shrimp from heat when they turn light pink to prevent rubbery texture and preserve delicate seafood tenderness.
• Maximize Saffron Power: Crush dried threads between fingers before steeping in warm water, releasing intensified golden color and robust aromatic essence.
• Select Authentic Rice Wisely: Prioritize Spanish short-grain varieties like bomba or calasparra for superior absorption and authentic paella performance.
• Create Layered Flavor Depths: Sprinkle smoked paprika during last cooking minutes to introduce subtle complex undertones without overwhelming primary ingredients.
• Guard Rice Perfection: Allow completed paella minimal movement during final resting phase, enabling crispy bottom layer called socarrat to develop naturally.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Shrimp Paella

• Vacuum-Seal Method: Extract air completely from a heavy-duty vacuum-sealed bag to prevent freezer burn and preserve paella's authentic texture. Press out excess air before sealing to lock in flavors and prevent moisture loss.
• Portion-Divided Storage: Separate paella into individual serving-sized containers before refrigerating or freezing. Smaller portions reheat faster, maintain better quality, and reduce potential waste when you're craving just a quick meal.
• Glass Container Method: Store paella in clear glass containers with tight-fitting lids for maximum freshness. Glass prevents flavor absorption, allows easy visibility of contents, and provides a non-reactive storage environment that keeps seafood and rice ingredients pristine.

Delicious Variations on Ina Garten’s Shrimp Paella

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap shrimp for tender calamari and add chorizo sausage for a Spanish-inspired protein boost. Incorporate roasted red peppers and a pinch of smoked paprika to elevate the flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Feast: Replace seafood with chunky roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and artichoke hearts. Add plant-based protein through chickpeas or tofu, keeping the signature saffron and turmeric spice blend intact.
• Seafood Extravaganza: Expand the protein selection by mixing shrimp with mussels, clams, and white fish. Include a splash of white wine during cooking to enhance the oceanic flavors and create a more complex seafood paella experience.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Introduce jalapeños, black beans, and corn kernels to transform the traditional recipe. Use chipotle powder instead of standard paprika and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty, Mexican-inspired version of the classic dish.

Ina Garten’s Shrimp Paella: A Flavorful, Sizzling Dish

Shrimp paella emerges as coastal Spain’s culinary masterpiece, bridging Mediterranean flavors with homestyle comfort.

Ina Garten’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that whispers coastal adventures.

Mediterranean spices dance through each grain of bomba rice, creating harmonious flavor profiles that transport palates across ocean landscapes.

Complex layers of turmeric, saffron, and paprika intertwine with succulent shrimp, producing gastronomic poetry on plate surfaces.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected broths elevate this dish from ordinary meal to extraordinary celebration.

Passionate cooks and curious epicureans will discover pure magic in these carefully balanced ingredients – so grab those pans, embrace Mediterranean traditions, and let culinary creativity soar.

Share this delectable journey, comment with passion, and spread deliciousness across social platforms!

Ina Garten Shrimp Paella Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spanish coastal charm meets Barefoot Contessa sophistication in this shrimp paella. Saffron-infused rice, succulent shrimp, and robust spices create a Mediterranean masterpiece that transports palates straight to Spain’s sun-drenched shores. You’ll savor each aromatic bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp
• 1 C bomba (paella) rice
• 1 C frozen peas

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 C chopped red bell pepper
• ½ C chopped sweet onion
• ⅓ C chopped scallions
• ⅔ C chopped tomato
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp minced parsley

Spices and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• ½ teaspoon saffron threads
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup clam broth
• 2 cups vegetable broth

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by heating 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a foundation for developing rich flavor profiles.
2. Introduce chopped red bell pepper, sweet onion, scallions, and bomba rice into the heated oil. Gently sauté the ingredients for approximately three minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their aromatic essences.
3. Elevate the dish’s complexity by incorporating ground turmeric, paprika, saffron threads, minced garlic, and salt. Continue stirring to ensure even distribution and allow the spices to bloom, releasing their intense fragrances for an additional three minutes.
4. Gradually pour in the clam broth and vegetable broth, increasing the heat to trigger a rapid boil. Maintain the boiling state for three minutes, continuously stirring to prevent ingredient adhesion to the pan’s surface.
5. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the rice to absorb the flavorful liquid. Refrain from stirring during this phase, permitting the rice to cook undisturbed for approximately five minutes while maintaining a slight moisture content.
6. Carefully distribute frozen peas and raw shrimp across the rice’s surface. Create a sealed environment by covering the pan with aluminum foil, trapping steam and promoting even cooking.
7. After ten minutes, evaluate the dish’s readiness by checking liquid absorption and ensuring the shrimp have transformed to a vibrant pink color with a tender texture.
8. Conclude the culinary preparation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant visual and flavor dimension. Serve immediately while the paella remains piping hot, ready to delight diners with its complex and aromatic profile.

Notes

• A well-seasoned paella pan or large cast-iron skillet guarantees the most authentic cooking surface and flavor development.
• Fresh parsley provides a vibrant, herbaceous finish that cuts through the dish’s rich complexity.
• Avoid stirring during the final cooking stage to create the prized crispy rice bottom called “socarrat”.
• Sustainable, wild-caught shrimp elevates the overall taste and brings premium quality to your seafood paella.
• Combining clam and vegetable broths adds deep maritime depth and nuanced oceanic undertones.
• Carefully controlling heat – starting with medium-high and finishing with gentle simmering – ensures perfectly cooked rice without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg