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Spanish Rice Dish Paella Recipe ‐ This simple Shrimp and Chorizo Paella is easy to make, has classic paella ingredients with all Spanish flavors. Feed and impress a crowd with this paella recipe!
This post was originally published on April 17th, 2016. It was updated March 2nd, 2018
Shrimp and Chorizo Paella
I have been working on this Shrimp and Chorizo Paella recipe for a little while, and I felt like it was time to share. Ever since I studied in Spain, I have been wanting to make Paella. Even though the region I lived in wasn’t particularly known for their Paella, they still had an excellent variety to choose from for those who wanted to sample this classic Spanish dish.
What is Paella?
Paella is a rice dish from Spain, originally from the Valencia region. Paella is named after the word “paelle” which means “pan”!
How to make Paella
For some reason I was very intimidated by Paella, and I never quite got around to making it until now. I wanted to figure out how to make paella from scratch, using all the traditional spices.
Spices in Paella
It took a few trial runs, but the last time I made this Shrimp and Chorizo Paella I was happy with the results. Saffron and smoked Paprika are definitely necessary.
The best rice for Paella
It does help to get the right kind of rice and make sure to use the right amount of liquid. I was able to find some Spanish paella rice (redondo rice, or bomba rice) but it can be hard to find. The preferred kind of rice is a short grain white rice, so Arborio is the next best thing if you can’t find paella rice. Be sure you read the packaging and use the amount of liquid that is recommended.
Paella Ingredients
Because Paella has been a very popular dish all throughout its history, it went through a lot of adoption and adaptation. There is no one true traditional Paella list of ingredients. But at a minimum you need the following:
- Rice – Bomba rice (arroz bomba) or arroz redondo, but if you can’t find those, try Arborio, another kind of short grain white rice
- Saffron – This potent vibrant spice has been in Paellas since day one
- Smoked Paprika – to impart the smoky flavor one would get from cooking on a wood fire
- Protein – Really, anything goes, but in this case we will use Chorizo and Shrimp. Spanish chorizo is extra smoky so it complements the smoked paprika
- Liquid – Some kind of stock, in this case chicken stock
- Anything else you want! Beans are a popular ingredient even though I am not using them in this Paella recipe
I wanted to put shrimp and chorizo in my paella recipe because that seemed to be closest to the kind I ate in Spain even though the traditional Valencia Paella is never made with chorizo. Of course the seafood paella usually had mussels, clams, squid, shrimp and fish, but I wanted to keep it on the simple side so I just used shrimp. You can use any kind of meat or seafood that you would like, or even skip the meat altogether.
The hardest part was keeping the bottom from burning. This is partially because I have an electric stove (I would prefer gas) and partially because the pan I used was a bit thin. If you are using an electric stove, be sure to keep the heat on low and keep an eye on it to watch for burning, and also try to choose a pan with a thicker base for better heat distribution.
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Shrimp and Chorizo Paella
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 cups bomba rice or Arborio* Paella rice
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads 2 pinches
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes or 2 chili de arbol
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt*
- 8 ounces Spanish chorizo* the kind that is dried and cured NOT Mexican chorizo which is ground sliced into rounds
- 1 pound raw shrimp
- fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat a large paella pan (or large saute pan) over medium heat. Add the olive oil. When oil is hot, add the onion and saute for 5 minutes, until onion is softened and turning golden. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste and continue to cook until it is completely mixed in and the onions are rust colored, 2- 3 minutes.
- Add the salt, paprika, chili flakes, turmeric and saffron, stir to incorporate.
- Add the rice and stir fry until the rice is completely coated with the oil and spices.
- Stir in the stock. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add in the sliced chorizo and cook for about 5 more minutes.
- Arrange the shrimp on top. You may need to press the shrimp into the rice with a spoon so that they are almost covered with the remaining liquid. Cook for 5-10 more minutes or until liquid is evaporated.
- Sprinkle parsley on top and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Let me start off by saying that I LOVE PAELLA! Plus this recipe is so super easy! I absolutely love making different paella recipes and I’m definitely legit making this one tomorrow night – thanks for this beautiful recipe <3
Thank you so much Aena! I hope you love it!
I just simply love everything about this dish. I love how you use simple ingredients and how easy the recipe looks! I have never made paella at home but now I really want to make some!
Thank you so much Shadi! It really is pretty simple, I hope you love it!
This is a gorgeous paella….it is always a fun dish to make for friends.
It would be great for a dinner party! Thanks Sandi!
I love making paella…and I have an exact one on my blog too!! LOVE chorizo and shrimp..waiting to get some mussels so I can throw that in as well.. Love the pictures! Thanks for reminding me of paella again… Pinned!
Ooh, I’ll have to check out your recipe Swayam! mussels are great in Paella too, they were always used when I ate it in Spain. Thank you so much for pinning!
Paella with delicious spices is always a family favorite. I wish I had one of those huge paella pans you see in the restaurants. You need a size like that when you have hungry teenage boys. LOL
Haha! No doubt! Those big pans are amazing! Thanks Bam 🙂
I’ve never even considered attempting paella, even though I love it. Honestly, I always have a tough time cooking rice properly, it’s my in-the-kitchen Achilles heel (that and chocolate chip cookies, don’t ask) I’ve always been pretty intimidated by it, but your recipe makes it feel so doable! I’m wanting this right now – and it’s 9:30 in the morning 😉
Haha, I know, rice can be difficult! But this really turned out well, I hope you give it a try! Thanks Stephanie!
Great tip for the type of rice! I never would have thought paella required a different kind of rice. I have some Arborio left over in my pantry from a risotto that I’d love to use for this. Awesome flavours, keep up the Spanish recipes, love them!
Thanks so much Katy! Yes, the rice does make a big difference, I was surprised!
Yay for paella!! I can never find bomba rice so I always just go for the arborio! This sounds so good with the chorizo!!
I had a hard time finding it too! I found another kind of paella rice, but it is nice to know that Arborio will always be there 🙂 Thanks Ashley!
This looks AMAZING. I haven’t ventured into making paella yet, but oh my gosh this dish looks to DIE for!!
Thank you Traci! It was much easier than I imagined!
This looks just like a meal I had while on vacation! Stunning and vivid colors. I’ve saved this recipe to see if I can make it. Your pictures are fantastic.
Thanks so much Tina! I would love to hear how it turns out!
This looks sooooooo good!
For the longest time I hated shrimp, then my friend had freshly cooked Paella at her wedding and it was so good it made me love shrimp! I definitely need to try this
THank you Michelle! Shrimp can be an acquired taste, that paella sounds great!
I love paella but have never made it before, and your shrimp looks amazing Meghan!
Thank you Julie!
I’m intimidated by paella, which is why I haven’t made it yet. I’ve been craving shrimp lately because of all your recipes! I want to eat this right out of the skillet it looks so good.
Haha, Meg – when I posted this I was like “…is this too many shrimp recipes in a row? Oh well…” So I’m glad you appreciate it! But I am going to try to lay off the shrimp for awhile, so people don’t get sick of them! Thanks so much, hope you give this a try!
This looks like the perfect date night dinner, but easy enough to be made on a weeknight.
Exactly! Thanks Nicole!
I want a bowl of this right now, washed down with a nice full Spanish red. I also wish I had a gas stove…..next place I live, I guess. Thanks for the pan tips!
Sounds like heaven Annie! We had a gas stove in Portland, but it is hard to find one in an apartment around here :/
I’m so excited, as I believe I’ve collected all ingredients to pull off a few of these yummy recipes!!
I love Fred Meyers, & now Krogers, where I
currently live, even MORE because they helped you share some of this Spanish delishousness!!
I even got some of the bowls to help duplicate your look!!
I will share my finished products with
@foxandbriar!!
Can’t wait to see it!
I have never tried making paella but I have always wanted to! Your recipe looks absolutely fantastic Meghan! 🙂
Thanks so much Ashlyn! I hope you give it a try!
Looks like you nailed this paella Meghan! Well done! Keep the Spanish recipes coming — I can’t get enough. 🙂 Hope you’re having a good day!
Thanks Dear! Have a lovely day as well!
Well I, for one, am happy you aren’t done with all the Spanish dishes, girlfriend! I love paella and I happen to think it tastes a billion times better homemade. Yours looks out of this world delicious! Shrimp and chorizo made for one hearty and scrumptious paella! Gimme ALLLL dat! Cheers, girlfriend!
Thanks so much Lady!
This recipe is very one-note as it is, but could definitely be improved. With the chorizo and the smoked paprika and the tomato it was very rich and smoky. I intend to make this again but add in a little red pepper and celery to brighten and complicate the flavors! Thanks!
What a perfect one pan dish, Meghan! I’m a big fan of chorizo so this recipe is totally calling my name, especially since it has smoked paprika too. I’d love to sit down with this, a big hunk of bread and glass of vino…I’d be set! Cheers girlie 🙂 Have a lovely week!
Thanks Dawn! Bread, wine, paprika – yes, the perfect meal! 🙂