Light, brimming with ocean-fresh flavor, and impossibly easy to pull together, Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that dials up dinnertime excitement. Each steaming spoonful boasts plump shrimp, tender scallops, and aromatic rice perfectly seasoned with Mediterranean-inspired spices. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this vibrant dish promises all the satisfaction of a cozy seafood paella—without the fuss or hours of work. Let’s dive in and make your next supper memorable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this dish is handpicked to add layers of flavor and color. These essentials come together in a single pot, making the process straightforward, while ensuring each bite is infused with soul-warming goodness and the unmistakable taste of the sea.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): The base that ties everything together and gives the rice its subtle richness.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Starts the flavor-building with a mild sweetness and aroma.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds irresistible depth and boldness to every morsel.
- Red bell pepper, diced (1): Offers a lovely crunch and a splash of color for a sunny presentation.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses the rice with a warm, smoky undertone that echoes classic paella.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Brings herbal complexity and pairs beautifully with seafood.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who enjoy a subtle, lingering heat.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup): Fluffy, absorbent, and perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices.
- Low-sodium chicken or seafood broth (2 cups): The secret to a deeply savory, well-rounded rice base.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (1/2 pound): The star protein that stays juicy and sweet in this quick cook.
- Scallops or firm white fish, cut into bite-sized pieces (1/2 pound): Their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture perfectly complements the rice.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup): Peas create pops of color and sweetness, finishing the dish on a bright note.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Vital for drawing out every nuanced flavor.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: A zippy finishing touch that lifts the dish and balances the richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Revel in a fresh herbal flair and a burst of green in every serving.
How to Make Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready and Sauté Veggies
Start things off by heating your olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in your diced onion and red bell pepper. Give them 3 to 4 minutes to soften, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to build a gently sweet, aromatic base—one that will infuse every grain of rice and piece of seafood with warmth from the very beginning.
Step 2: Spice It Up
Next, add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if you’re in the mood for a gentle kick). Let everything sizzle together for just a minute, stirring often. You’ll notice the burst of fragrance filling the kitchen, promising that your Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is on its way to tasting sensational.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Stir in the rice, making sure each grain gets coated in those aromatic oils and spices. This quick step helps the rice toast lightly and adds a subtle nutty flavor, setting your dish apart from ordinary seafood rice recipes. It’s the quick trick that transforms good into unforgettable!
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the broth, then crank up the heat to bring everything to a lively boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, pop on that lid, and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the rice soaks up all the rich broth and becomes incredibly flavorful.
Step 5: Add the Seafood
Carefully nestle your shrimp and scallops (or fish) into the rice, tucking them down so they cook evenly. Put the lid back on, and set your timer for 5 to 7 more minutes. The seafood will become perfectly tender and juicy without overcooking—just what you want in a Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe!
Step 6: Finish with Peas and Brightness
Uncover and stir in the frozen peas, letting them heat through for about a minute. Season the whole pot with salt, black pepper, and that squeeze of lemon juice. Don’t skip the lemon—it lifts the dish and wakes up all the flavors beautifully!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot
Right before serving, sprinkle generous amounts of chopped parsley over the top. Serve the dish piping hot, straight from the pot, letting everyone bask in the comforting aroma and vibrant colors that make this Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe truly special.
How to Serve Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish makes all the difference! Scatter a little extra fresh parsley for color, or add a wedge of lemon on each plate so guests can personalize their zestiness. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or even a few toasted pine nuts adds another layer of excitement that really makes this Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe shine.
Side Dishes
This dish is truly a meal in itself, but if you’re feeding a hungry crowd, pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Crusty bread is a must-have for mopping up any leftover sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style feast, or portion it into individual bowls for an elegant touch. You can also spoon it into scooped-out bell peppers for a fun, edible bowl—perfect for parties and potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your seafood rice will stay fresh for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe, portion the cooled rice into individual freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. For best texture, avoid overcooking the seafood before freezing, as it can become a bit rubbery after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the rice to loosen it up, then warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. The microwave also works—use medium power and stir halfway to keep things moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Just be sure to add extra broth and cook the rice longer, since brown rice takes extra time. Adjust the timing for the seafood so it doesn’t overcook—add it toward the last 10 minutes of your brown rice’s cook time.
What other seafood can I use?
This dish is endlessly adaptable. Mussels, clams, squid, or even pre-cooked mixed seafood work beautifully. Just make sure all your seafood cooks through but doesn’t linger in the pot too long—seafood loves gentle treatment!
Can I make this dish spicy?
Certainly—just increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce when you serve. The spicy pop plays off the sweetness of the seafood in the best way.
Is Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your broth is certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you’re cooking for someone with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
How do I keep the seafood tender?
The secret is adding the seafood once the rice is nearly finished cooking. Covering the pan ensures gentle, even heat so the shrimp and fish turn out juicy—not tough or rubbery. Once they’re just opaque, you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how satisfying and impressive this Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe truly is. It takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something that feels like a mini vacation—straight from your own kitchen. Gather your favorite people, serve up this colorful feast, and create some amazing memories, one scoop at a time!
Print
Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and satisfying one-pot seafood rice recipe that is quick and easy to prepare. This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines succulent shrimp, tender scallops (or fish), and vibrant peas with aromatic spices and herbs for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
For the Seafood Rice:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or seafood broth
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound scallops or firm white fish (like cod), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, and cook until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the rice, coat the grains in oil and spices, pour in the broth, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Nestle the shrimp and scallops (or fish) into the rice, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes until seafood is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Stir in the peas, cook for another minute, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute other seafood like mussels or clams.
- Use pre-cooked seafood mix to save time.
- Add white wine or saffron for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
