Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Paella: A Weeknight Spanish Fiesta
Imagine saffron-infused rice, studded with succulent shrimp and smoky chorizo, simmering in a flavorful broth. This Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Paella delivers a vibrant explosion of Spanish flavors, balancing the richness of the sausage with the delicate sweetness of seafood and a fiery kick. Perfect for a weekend gathering or a special occasion, this impressive dish is surprisingly approachable and guaranteed to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Spain. This recipe is a FlavorTrailRecipes favorite, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
A Quick & Easy Paella Recipe
Paella often conjures images of elaborate preparations and hours of simmering. But this recipe challenges that notion! Our Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Paella is designed for the busy weeknight cook, delivering authentic Spanish flavors without the lengthy commitment. The combination of succulent shrimp and spicy chorizo creates a rich and satisfying dish that's ready in under an hour. #paella #weeknightmeal
Ingredients for Your Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Paella
This recipe serves 4 and requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for those weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to spare. Gather your ingredients and let's get cooking!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Yellow Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Chorizo, removed from casing and crumbled | 4 oz (about 115g) |
| Arborio Rice | 1 cup (about 200g) |
| Smoked Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Saffron Threads | 1/4 tsp |
| Chicken Broth, warmed | 3 cups (about 700ml) |
| Dry White Wine | 1/2 cup (about 120ml) |
| Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb (about 450g) |
| Frozen Peas | 1/4 cup (about 30g) |
| Lemon, cut into wedges | 1 |
| Fresh Parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions: Cooking Your Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Paella
- Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chorizo is browned and has released its fat, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the Arborio rice, smoked paprika, and saffron threads. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring, until it is almost completely absorbed, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the warmed chicken broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Continue until all the broth has been added and the rice is cooked al dente, about 20-25 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the shrimp and peas. Cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Expert Tips and Delicious Variations
Elevate your paella game with these expert tips and variations:
- For extra heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during step 3.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the chorizo and shrimp. Add bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. #vegetarian
- Seafood lover's delight: Add other seafood like mussels or clams along with the shrimp.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fat | 20g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Paella with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp Spanish white wine for a complete and satisfying meal. The vibrant flavors of this paella pair beautifully with the freshness of a salad, creating a balanced and delightful dining experience. #spanishfood #shrimp #chorizo
Ready to Embrace the Flavors of Spain?
This Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Paella recipe is your passport to a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. The combination of Arborio rice, saffron, shrimp, and chorizo creates a symphony of flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends. Don't be intimidated by the name "paella"—this recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. So gather your ingredients, put on some Spanish music, and get ready for a culinary adventure! Visit FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com for more exciting recipes! #FlavorTrailRecipes