Secrets to making an Authentic Seafood Paella
The secrets to making an authentic seafood paella like the ones we serve at Familia Nuri restaurants is not just about the recipe, but also about respect for the ingredients, time, and tradition. Below, we share the steps and secrets to prepare an authentic seafood paella, as explained by Álex Jiménez, executive chef of Familia Nuri. We reveal the best-kept secrets so you can enjoy an authentic seafood paella at home.
Step-by-step secrets to making an authentic seafood paella
1. The vegetables sauté: the base of flavor
As Álex Jiménez tells us, a good vegetable sauté (also known as “sofrito”) is key for a flavorful paella. At Familia Nuri, we like to make it rich, so we use caramelised onion, garlic, grated ripe tomato, a little ñora paste, parsley, and garlic. Cook it slowly over low heat until it turns dark in colour and has a silky texture. This step makes a real difference and is one of the secrets to making an authentic seafood paella.
2. Fresh, high-quality seafood
The secret to an authentic seafood paella is the freshness and quality of its ingredients. At Familia Nuri, we work with suppliers who provide fresh, high-quality lobster, mussels, prawns, and squid. It’s important to avoid frozen seafood if you want an excellent result.
3. Homemade fish stock
The fish stock must be homemade. We make it using rockfish, white fish bones, crabs, and leftover seafood. All together in a pot over low heat for 30–40 minutes. To concentrate the marine flavours and give intensity to the rice, you can let it rest for about 20 more minutes and then strain it.
4. The rice, another protagonist
We use bomba rice, mainly from the Illa de Buda in the Ebro Delta. This type of rice has a great absorption capacity and withstands cooking without overcooking.
5. Controlling the heat and the doneness of the grain
To cook an authentic paella, you first need to add the sofrito and then mix in the rice for about a minute to create an outer layer that prevents the grains from sticking together once cooked.
Next, add the fish stock, which should be four times the volume of the rice — for every 100 grammes of rice, you’ll need 400 millilitres of stock. As the cooking comes to an end, add the red prawns, clams, and mussels. The prawns should first be given a quick sear on the grill, and then the paella is finished in the oven. The total cooking time, between the stovetop and oven, is about 17 minutes, plus two minutes of resting time.
Where to try an authentic seafood paella in Barcelona?
Now that you know the secrets to making an authentic seafood paella, come and discover it at our paellas restaurants in Barcelona, where we take care of every detail to give you an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
📍 Find out where we are: https://familianuri.com/restaurants
This year, the Familia Nuri Seafood Paella was chosen by our rice ambassador, Llucià Ferrer, as the solidarity rice. Part of the profits from this recipe will be donated to the SJD Padiatric Cancer Center Barcelona to continue advancing research and treatments for childhood cancers.
Discover more about the campaign in the article: Llucià Ferrer sponsors the 6th edition of solidarity rice.
You might also be interested in reading our article about The Best Spring Dishes in Barcelona — we’re sure you’ll love it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seafood Paella
What is the difference between seafood paella and mixed or surf-and-turf paella?
Seafood paella only includes products from the sea: prawns, mussels, lobsters, squid, or clams. Mixed paella combines meats (like chicken or rabbit) with seafood, mixing flavors from land and sea.
Can you make a good seafood paella with frozen seafood?
Although possible, it is not recommended if you want an authentic result. Fresh seafood provides better texture and a purer flavor. At Familia Nuri, we always use fresh seafood of the day.
What rice is best for making seafood paella?
The most recommended is bomba rice. It has a round grain that absorbs the stock without overcooking, ensuring good texture and flavor.
When is World Paella Day?
World Paella Day is celebrated on September 20th.