Arroz de Marisco Recipe: Traditional Portuguese Seafood Rice Dish for Every Occasion
Arroz de Marisco is an iconic dish from Portuguese cuisine, a true delight for seafood lovers. This flavorful and savory rice dish is cooked in a rich broth with herbs and spices, featuring fresh seafood like shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid. Traditionally served on special occasions, Arroz de Marisco is perfect for family gatherings or dinners with friends, bringing a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your plate.
In this article, we provide a detailed guide to preparing Arroz de Marisco, including the necessary ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make this dish just like a professional chef. We’ll also share some variations and suggestions to personalize the recipe to suit your tastes.
To prepare a delicious Arroz de Marisco at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
300g of round rice (preferably paella rice or risotto rice, which absorbs the broth well)
500g of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
200g of mussels (cleaned)
200g of clams (cleaned)
200g of squid (cut into rings)
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
750ml of fish stock or vegetable broth (ideally homemade)
1 glass of dry white wine (preferably Vinho Verde or another light wine)
4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon of sweet paprika (or chili powder for a spicy kick)
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
1 lemon (for serving)
Prepare the seafood:
Start by cleaning the seafood. Rinse the mussels and clams under cold water and discard any that are open. Peel and devein the shrimp and cut the squid into rings.
Set the seafood aside.
Prepare the rice base:
In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and lightly golden.
Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes to release the flavors.
Add the tomatoes and spices:
Stir in the peeled and chopped tomatoes, along with the tomato paste, paprika, and bay leaf. Let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the rice:
Add the rice to the pan and stir well to coat the rice grains with the flavorful sauce. Pour in the dry white wine and let it reduce slightly.
Gradually add the hot stock, one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Let it cook over low heat, adding more stock as the rice absorbs the liquid. This process should take about 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is nearly cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add the seafood:
Once the rice is almost ready, stir in the reserved seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid). Cover and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through. The mussels and clams should open during cooking.
If necessary, add a little more stock to ensure the rice is moist but not too soupy.
Finish and serve:
Remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the Arroz de Marisco in warm plates, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with lemon wedges to add a touch of acidity and freshness.
Tips for Perfecting Your Arroz de Marisco:
Use fresh seafood: The key to a delicious Arroz de Marisco lies in the quality of the seafood. Choose fresh seafood, ideally from a trusted fishmonger or local market. The fresher the seafood, the better the flavor in your dish.
Make homemade stock: If possible, make your own fish stock from fish bones, vegetables, and herbs. Homemade stock will provide a rich, deep flavor to the dish. Otherwise, opt for a good-quality fish or vegetable broth.
Cook the rice properly: The rice should be tender yet slightly al dente by the end of cooking. If it’s overcooked, it may become too soft and lose its texture. Add the stock gradually so the rice can absorb it little by little without becoming too soggy.
Customize the dish: Feel free to customize your Arroz de Marisco by adding other seafood options like lobster, crab, or scallops. Some recipes also include extra vegetables, such as peas, artichokes, or green bell peppers, for added texture and flavor.
Serve with toasted bread: For an even heartier meal, serve your Arroz de Marisco with toasted bread or crusty country bread. This helps soak up the delicious broth and adds a nice crunch to the meal.
Presentation tip: For a more refined presentation, serve the Arroz de Marisco in a large casserole dish or family-style serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color and added freshness.
Why You’ll Love Arroz de Marisco:
Arroz de Marisco is more than just a rice dish—it’s a celebration of the flavors of the sea. It embodies the richness of Mediterranean cuisine, showcasing local seafood and fresh ingredients like olive oil, white wine, and spices. This dish is perfect for family meals or dinner parties, while also being easy enough to make at home.
Not only is Arroz de Marisco delicious, but it’s also a great way to explore traditional Portuguese cooking. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a comforting dish, Arroz de Marisco is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your culinary cravings.
