Arroz Marinero Ecuatoriano
Arroz Marinero is a vibrant and flavorful Ecuadorian rice dish packed with a variety of fresh seafood. Cooked in a savory broth infused with aromatic vegetables and spices, it's a coastal delicacy that brings the taste of the ocean to your plate.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Arborio rice or medium-grain rice
- 600 g Mixed seafood(e.g., shrimp, calamari rings, mussels, clams, fish pieces)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(peeled, seeded, and diced)
- 0.5 cup Cilantro(chopped)
- 0.25 cup Parsley(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Achiote oil (annatto oil)
- 1 L Fish or seafood broth
- 120 ml White wine
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 1 for serving Lime
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the seafood: clean and prepare all the seafood. If using mussels or clams, scrub them clean. Cut fish into bite-sized pieces. If using calamari, ensure they are cleaned and cut into rings.
💡 Tip: Ensure all seafood is fresh for the best flavor. - 2
Make the sofrito: In a large, deep skillet or paella pan, heat the achiote oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
- 4
Stir in the rice and toast it for about 1-2 minutes until the grains are slightly translucent. Pour in the white wine and let it evaporate.
- 5
Add the fish/seafood broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning before adding the rice. - 6
Add the mixed seafood to the skillet. Stir gently to distribute evenly. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the seafood is cooked.
💡 Tip: Avoid stirring too much once the rice is added to prevent it from becoming mushy. - 7
Stir in most of the chopped cilantro and parsley just before serving. Garnish with the remaining herbs. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
💡 Tip: Reserve some fresh herbs for garnish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The type of rice can affect the texture; Arborio rice will give a creamier result, similar to risotto.
- ✓You can add other vegetables like peas or corn kernels.
- ✓For a more intense seafood flavor, you can make your own seafood broth using shrimp shells and fish bones.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of saffron for color and flavor.
- Include other seafood like octopus or scallops.
- Make it spicier by adding a finely chopped chili pepper to the sofrito.