Guacho de Mariscos
A hearty and flavorful seafood and rice stew, Guacho de Mariscos is a beloved Panamanian dish that combines the bounty of the sea with the comforting texture of rice, often enriched with coconut milk.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1/2 lb Shrimp shells and heads(for broth)
- 4 cups Water(for broth)
- 1/2 medium Onion(chopped, for broth)
- 4 leaves Culantro (cilantro)(for broth)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 lb Mixed seafood(e.g., squid, mussels, clams)
- 1/2 lb Shrimp(peeled and deveined)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 2 small Ají dulce (sweet chili pepper)(chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 can Coconut milk(13.5 oz)
- 1.5 cups Rice(long-grain white rice)
- 1 tablespoon Seafood seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Liquid achiote (annatto)(optional, for color)
- 1/4 cup Fresh culantro (cilantro)(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the seafood broth: In a pot, combine shrimp shells and heads, 4 cups of water, 1/2 chopped onion, and 4 culantro leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Strain the broth and set aside.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and ají dulce. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they begin to break down.
- 4
Add the mixed seafood and shrimp to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to turn pink.
- 5
Stir in the rice, coconut milk, prepared seafood broth, seafood seasoning, salt, pepper, and liquid achiote (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- 6
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
Once cooked, let the guacho rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped culantro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
- ✓Adjust the amount of ají dulce to your spice preference.
- ✓If you don't have mixed seafood, you can use your favorite types of fish and shellfish.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like corn or yuca for a heartier stew.
- For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped habanero pepper along with the other aromatics.