Skillet Grilled Seafood and Chorizo Paella
Try this Skillet Grilled Seafood and Chorizo Paella recipe
Try this Skillet Grilled Seafood and Chorizo Paella recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- juice of 2 lemons
- pinch of saffron
- 1/2 small sweet onion chopped
- 4 ounces spanish chorizo sliced
- 3-4 heirloom tomatoes chopped or 1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled
- 1 (8 ounce) jar roasted red peppers sliced
- 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 small skinless chicken thighs or breast
- 1/3 cup blue cheese stuffed green olives
- 1 teaspoons spanish smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt + pepper to taste
- 16 ounces fresh seafood (i used 1 lobster tail 6 jumbo shrimp, 4 clams, and 4 mussels)
- fresh chopped parsley for serving
- white truffle oil for serving (optional)
- Carbohydrate 4.04489908649385 g
- Cholesterol 629.965053552 mg
- Fat 131.582633327396 g
- Fiber 0.44181666636467 g
- Protein 156.995065044735 g
- Saturated Fat 38.1266865034755 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (961g)
- Sodium 808.482851301224 mg
- Sugar 3.60308242012918 g
- Trans Fat 10.9083007681886 g
- Calories 1870 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Place a very large cast iron skillet (at least a 12-inch circle or oval skillet) on the grill grates. Allow the skillet to heat with the grill. Once hot, add the olive oil, onion, and garlic. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook about 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and sweet.
- Add the chorizo and cook until just browned, about 2-3 minutes. Add the tomatoes (crushed by hand if using canned), their juices, and roasted red peppers. Continue cooking another 5 minutes.
- Add the wine to deglaze the pan and then stir in the rice, cooking until toasted, about 3-5 minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
- Slide in the chicken, green olives, paprika, another pinch of salt and pepper, and a good pinch of saffron; stir gently to combine. Cover tightly with the skillet top or tin foil, then place the lid on the grill. Grill covered for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, toss the seafood with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- After 15 minutes of cooking on the grill, carefully remove the skillet top or foil and add the seafood to the skillet. Cover again and return the grill lid; continue cooking another 15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is fluffy.
- Remove the skillet from the grill and drizzle the dish with lemon juice. If desired, drizzle with white truffle oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley. EAT!
A Busy Mom's Guide to a Delicious and Impressive Paella
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house somewhat tidy, finding time for elaborate meals often feels impossible. But that doesn't mean we should sacrifice delicious, satisfying food! This Skillet Grilled Seafood and Chorizo Paella is my go-to for those nights when I want something impressive without the hours of prep time. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. I often adjust it based on what’s fresh at the market or what I already have in my pantry. Sometimes, I swap the chorizo for Italian sausage or omit it altogether for a lighter version. The seafood is another area where I get creative; whatever’s on sale or looks particularly fresh that day works beautifully. Mussels, shrimp, scallops, cod – they all add their own unique flavor to the dish. The key is to use good quality ingredients, as their natural flavors truly shine in this recipe.
The grilling element adds a smoky depth of flavor that elevates this paella beyond the ordinary. Using a cast-iron skillet ensures even cooking and that wonderful crispy bottom, a hallmark of a truly great paella. The whole process, from prep to table, takes about 45 minutes, which fits perfectly into my busy schedule. And the cleanup is a breeze; just a quick soak of the skillet, and I'm done!
Beyond the Recipe: A Celebration of Flavors
This paella isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The vibrant colors of the saffron-infused rice, the tender seafood, the savory chorizo, the sweetness of the roasted red peppers – it’s a feast for the senses. It’s a dish that transports you, even for a brief moment, to a sun-drenched Spanish coast, even if your actual location is your own bustling kitchen. It’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients, brought together to create something truly special.
Making it Your Own: Tips and Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood, vegetables, and sausages to suit your tastes. If you don't have fresh seafood, frozen works just as well. Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the skillet. Similarly, if you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the chorizo and seafood, and add some extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
Beyond Weeknight Dinners: Special Occasions
This paella isn't just for busy weeknights; it’s also perfect for special occasions. Imagine serving it at a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or even a romantic dinner for two. The presentation is beautiful, and the flavors are so impressive that your guests will be amazed you managed to create such a delicious dish with relatively little effort.
The Power of Simplicity: A Working Mom's Philosophy
As a working mom, I've learned the value of simple, delicious recipes that don't require hours of preparation. This paella is a perfect example of that philosophy. It’s a dish that showcases the beauty of fresh, quality ingredients, and its ease of preparation means I can actually enjoy the meal with my family, without feeling overwhelmed by the cooking process. It's a reminder that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding.
More than just a meal: a moment of connection
More than just a delicious meal, preparing and sharing this paella is an opportunity to connect with my family. The act of cooking, the shared meal, the laughter and conversation that ensues – these are the moments that truly matter. And this dish, easy to prepare and full of flavor, makes these moments even more special.
So, the next time you're looking for a delicious and impressive meal that won’t steal all your precious time, give this Skillet Grilled Seafood and Chorizo Paella a try. It's a recipe that’s as satisfying as it is simple, and it's guaranteed to become a family favorite.
