Learn how to make a delicious and authentic Portuguese seafood rice with shrimp, mussels and crab sticks. This easy seafood rice, also known as Arroz de Marisco, is an easy, rich, and comforting meal, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Portuguese seafood rice is one of the most comforting and flavorful dishes in Portuguese cuisine. Made with a mixture of shrimp, mussels, crab sticks, peppers, tomatoes and aromatic herbs, this traditional recipe is rich, slightly brothy and packed with fresh seafood flavor.
The rice is slowly cooked in a seafood broth, allowing it to absorb the delicious Mediterranean flavors. This easy seafood rice recipe is perfect for family dinners, holidays or special occasions when you want a hearty and impressive meal without complicated preparation. Serve with chopped fresh coriander and crusty bread for an authentic Portuguese experience.
If you're looking for more seafood recipes, try this flavorful Portuguese Octopus Rice, Clams with Bacon and Garlic, or these Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp. Enjoy the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine with these simple and delicious dishes.
Ingredients for Portuguese Seafood Rice
Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this recipe:
- Shrimp, crab sticks, shelled mussels and peeled shrimp - They add an oceanic flavor that gives the dish its authentic Portuguese seafood character.
- Medium-grain rice - Absorbs all the flavors, creating a creamy and flavorful texture.
- Onion and garlic - Form the aromatic base of the recipe, adding depth and delicious flavor.
- Tomato - Gives flavor and color, helping to create a rich sauce.
- Olive oil - Used for cooking the vegetables and enhancing the traditional Mediterranean flavor.
- Coriander - Add freshness, aroma, and a vibrant herbal touch.
- Salt and pepper - To season the dish and balance all the seafood flavors.
- Green pepper and red pepper - They add sweetness, color, and flavor.
- Water - Used to cook the shrimp, creating a rich and flavorful broth that is later used to cook the rice.
Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this recipe.
How to Make Portuguese Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco)
Step 1: Add the shrimp to a saucepan filled with water and season with salt, a small onion and a bunch of fresh parsley. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once it starts to boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and tender.
Step 2: Remove the shrimp from the water with a skimmer and drain well (reserve the cooking water for later). Let the shrimp cool slightly, peel them, and set aside.
Step 3: In a large saucepan, add the olive oil, chopped garlic, chopped onion, green and red peppers cut into strips, and the peeled tomatoes cut into pieces. Cook over low heat until the tomatoes begin to break down, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the rice, shrimp, mussels, crab sticks, and peeled shrimp to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and stir well to combine all the flavors. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the seafood and rice to absorb the seasonings before adding the broth.
Step 5: Pour the shrimp cooking water (about 650 ml (3 cups)) into the pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 6: Remove the pan from the heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
• Use medium-grain rice - Medium-grain rice absorbs flavor better and gives the dish a creamy consistency.
• Don’t overcook the seafood - Add the seafood at the same time as the rice to keep it tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked.
• Keep the rice slightly brothy - Authentic Portuguese seafood rice should not be dry. Leave enough liquid for a rich and comforting texture.
• Finish with fresh herbs - Chopped fresh coriander at the end adds flavor and freshness.
FAQs
What is Portuguese seafood rice?
Portuguese seafood rice, also known as Arroz de Marisco, is a traditional Portuguese dish made with rice cooked in seafood broth along with shrimp, mussels and other seafood.
What type of rice is best for seafood rice?
Medium-grain rice is the best option because it absorbs the seafood broth while staying creamy and flavorful.
What types of seafood can I add to seafood rice?
You can make this recipe with clams, squid, lobster or crab, depending on availability and your preference.
You may Also Like
- Portuguese seafood white bean stew (Feijoada de marisco)
- Chocos à Lagareiro (Portuguese baked cuttlefish)
- Portuguese seafood stew (caldeirada de marisco)
- Portuguese octopus salad (Salada de polvo)
- Salt cod stew with shrimp
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Portuguese Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco)
Learn how to make a delicious and authentic Portuguese seafood rice with shrimp, mussels and crab sticks. This easy seafood rice, also known as Arroz de Marisco, is an easy, rich, and comforting meal, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
4.50 from 8 reviews
- 150 grams (5 1/3 ounces) shrimp
- 150 grams (5 1/3 ounces) crab sticks
- 150 grams (5 1/3 ounces) shelled mussels
- 150 grams (5 1/3 ounces) peeled shrimp
- 250 grams (1 1/4 cups) medium-grain rice
- 2 medium onions
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes
- 1 small onion to cook the shrimps
- 50 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
- 1 bunch of coriander
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 green pepper
- 1/2 red pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- About 1 liter (4 cups) water to cook the shrimp
- Add the shrimp to a saucepan filled with water and season with salt, a small onion and a bunch of fresh parsley. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once it starts to boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and tender.
- Remove the shrimp from the water with a skimmer and drain well (reserve the cooking water for later). Let the shrimp cool slightly, peel them, and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, add the olive oil, chopped garlic, chopped onion, green and red peppers cut into strips, and the peeled tomatoes cut into pieces. Cook over low heat until the tomatoes begin to break down, stirring occasionally.
- Add the rice, shrimp, mussels, crab sticks, and peeled shrimp to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and stir well to combine all the flavors. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the seafood and rice to absorb the seasonings before adding the broth.
- Pour the shrimp cooking water (about 650 ml (3 cups)) into the pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander and serve immediately while hot.
