Seafood Paella is a classic and popular and fancy Spanish rice dish. However, paella recipes can be pretty time-consuming to make. By using the Instant Pot or any other pressure cooker, you can have a quick and easy dinner whipped up in about 30 minutes. This recipe uses a frozen seafood mix, so it's perfect for those who want a delicious seafood dinner without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Spanish Seafood Paella can be a little intimidating, especially when it comes to the seafood part. However, this is a super easy weeknight meal combining the frozen seafood mix with the magic of the Instant Pot.
I know this recipe doesn't stay true to a classically authentic paella, but it's a good alternative when the craving strikes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by setting the Instant Pot to the sauté setting on high. Secondly, pour in a little olive oil and allow the oil some time to get hot.
Now, while the oil is heating up, prep the onions, peppers, and garlic for the seafood paella and add them to the Instant Pot. Next, sauté the mixture until the onions become translucent and the peppers have softened.
You're almost halfway done! Can you believe it?
At this time, add peas, spices, and rice. Continue sautéing the Paella mix and frying the rice slightly.
Pour in the wine and chicken stock. Secure the lid to the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. Once the cooking time has been completed, allow a ten-minute natural release. Using the pressure release valve, manually release the remaining pressure.
Once the pressure has been released, remove the lid, add the seafood mix, and place the lid back onto the instant pot. Next, set it to pressure cook, high, for 10 minutes.
Lastly, allow a 5-minute natural release and manually release the remaining pressure.
Serve the Seafood Paella hot, and Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Frying the rice adds a nice texture and brings out a nutty, earthy flavor.
- If you're using a pre-made frozen seafood mix, be sure it's a mix you trust. The wrong blend can make or break this dish.
Recipe FAQs
Paella is a Spanish dish originating from the Valencia region of Spain. Paella is traditionally cooked over an open fire in a large pan and made with rice and veggies as Its base. You'll typically see chicken, seafood, or a mixture of both for the proteins.
Seafood Paella is made with a blend of fish, squid, clams, mussels, rice, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
The amazing flavors of Paella come from the rice combined with chicken stock, saffron, turmeric, and other herbs and spices.
While Bomba rice is the authentic rice used in paella, you can also use Arborio or even Jasmine rice.
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📖 Recipe
Seafood Paella in the Instant Pot: A Quick and Easy Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Basmati Rice
- 3 ¼ Cups Chicken Stock
- ½ Cup White Wine
- 2 lbs Frozen Seafood Mix
- ½ Red Bell Pepper - diced
- ½ Green Bell Pepper - diced
- 1 Yellow Onion - diced
- 1 Cup Frozen Peas
- 4 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Saffron
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by setting the Instant Pot to sauté on high, pour in a little olive oil, and allow the oil some time to get hot.
- Now, while the oil is heating up, prep the onions, peppers, and garlic for the seafood paella and add them to the Instant Pot. Next, sauté the mixture until the onions become translucent and the peppers have softened.
- At this time, add the peas, spices, and rice. Continue sautéing the Paella mix and frying the rice slightly.
- Pour in the wine and chicken stock. Secure the lid to the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. Once the cooking time has been completed allow a natural release for ten minutes. Using the pressure release valve, manually release the remaining pressure.
- Once the pressure has released simply remove the lid, add the seafood mix, and place the lid back onto the instant pot. Next, set it to pressure cook, high, for 10 minutes.
- Lastly, allow a 5-minute natural release and then release the remaining pressure manually once again.
- Serve the Seafood Paella Hot and Enjoy!
Notes
- Frying the rice adds a nice texture and brings out a nutty, earthy flavor.
- If you're using a pre-made frozen seafood mix, be sure it's a mix you trust. The wrong blend can make or break this dish.
Cristina Iacampo says
also......herbs ????????
Cristina Iacampo says
ya same here...tomatoes confusing
Jeremy Klae says
Cristina, I'm sorry about the confusion. There are no tomatoes in the recipe and by herbs and spices I was referring to the smoked paprika, saffron, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper. I should have just said spices. I will get that changed immediately so there is no further confusion. I appreciate you letting me know and hope you love the recipe.
Jeanne says
What tomatoes are you referring to? There are none in the ingredient list ( or I would have picked them up from the store)
Jeremy Klae says
Jeanne, My apologies, I never actually used tomatoes in the recipe. I did when I originally worked on the recipe and then ended up feeling like it didn't need them. I will get this corrected and taken out of the post.