Arroz de Marisco
A comforting and flavorful Portuguese seafood rice, often described as a soupy rice dish brimming with a variety of shellfish. It's a true celebration of coastal flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Mixed shellfish (e.g., mussels, clams, prawns, crab)(Ensure shellfish are fresh and cleaned. Discard any that are open and do not close when tapped.)
- 300 g Medium-grain rice (e.g., Carolino or Arborio)(A rice that holds its shape but also absorbs liquid well is ideal.)
- 1 large Yellow onion(Finely chopped.)
- 3 medium Ripe tomatoes(Peeled, seeded, and finely chopped, or use 1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes.)
- 200 ml Dry white wine(Such as Vinho Verde or Sauvignon Blanc.)
- 1 L Fish stock or clam juice(Good quality fish stock is preferred for depth of flavor.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro(Chopped, plus extra for garnish.)
- 3 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the shellfish: Rinse the mixed shellfish under cold running water. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shellfish, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have just opened. Discard any shellfish that remain closed. Carefully strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (if available) into a bowl; this is your flavorful seafood broth. Set the opened shellfish aside, reserving any that did not open for potential removal of meat later. Remove any large shells if desired, leaving smaller ones attached for presentation.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Build the flavor base: In the same pot (or a clean one), heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and the bay leaf, and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and meld with the aromatics.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Toast the rice and deglaze: Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat each grain with the tomato and onion mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the edges of the rice grains appear slightly translucent. Pour in the white wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine bubble and reduce by about half, which should take 1-2 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Simmer the rice: Pour in the reserved seafood broth and the fish stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is al dente (tender but with a slight bite) and the liquid has created a soupy consistency. The rice should be moist and flowing, not dry. You may need to add a little more hot stock or water if it becomes too thick.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 5
Incorporate the shellfish and finish: Gently stir the cooked shellfish into the rice mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the shellfish are heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make them tough. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in most of the chopped cilantro. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Serve immediately: Ladle the Arroz de Marisco into shallow bowls. Garnish with the remaining fresh cilantro. This dish is best enjoyed piping hot.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to Arroz de Marisco is its soupy, almost stew-like consistency. It should not be dry or like a typical pilaf.
- ✓Using the freshest possible shellfish will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
- ✓Serve immediately after preparation for the best texture and flavor. The rice will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
- ✓If you don't have fish stock, a good quality vegetable stock or even water can be used, but the seafood flavor will be less intense.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other seafood like squid rings, scallops, or even chunks of firm white fish during the last 10 minutes of rice cooking.
- For a richer dish, a splash of cream can be added at the end, though this is not traditional.
- Incorporate a pinch of paprika or a small diced red chili for a hint of spice.