Portuguese-Style Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco)
Introduction
Inspired by the sun-drenched flavors of Portugal’s coast, this Portuguese-style seafood rice is everything a comfort dish should be—savory, rich, and deeply aromatic. Known as Arroz de Marisco in its native form, it’s packed with fresh seafood, bell pepper, garlic, and coriander, all simmered in a flavorful tomato broth until the rice is tender and infused with every essence of the sea.
Whether you’re reminiscing about travels abroad or craving a cozy dish with character, this recipe brings the taste of the Atlantic straight to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot simplicity for easy prep and cleanup
- Loaded with real seafood flavor and vibrant aromatics
- Customizable with any mix of shellfish or fish
- A perfect balance of comfort food and culinary elegance
Ingredients
- 300g rice (about 1½ cups)
- 400g mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid/calamari), cleaned and prepped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mild chili powder (optional)
- 750ml hot fish broth (about 3¼ cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes and Swaps
- Seafood: You can use fresh or frozen seafood—just thaw completely if frozen.
- Broth: Fish stock gives the best depth, but vegetable or chicken broth also works.
- Rice: Use medium-grain rice for a slightly creamy texture or long-grain for more separation.
- Coriander: Substitute with parsley if desired, but fresh coriander brings brightness.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 to 6
- Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
Instructions
1. Sauté the Base
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or wide pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Build the Sauce
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, and chili powder (if using).
- Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, until the tomatoes break down and become saucy.
3. Add Seafood
- Stir in the mixed seafood and cook for 3–4 minutes, just until starting to turn opaque.
- Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add Rice and Broth
- Add the rice and mix well to coat it in the sauce.
- Pour in the hot fish broth and stir once more. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add a splash of hot broth if it gets too dry—the dish should be moist but not soupy.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with chopped coriander.
- Serve hot, optionally with lemon wedges or crusty bread on the side.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the seafood—add it when the tomatoes begin to break down, not before.
- If using shell-on shrimp or mussels, add them a few minutes later than the rest of the seafood for perfect doneness.
- Use high-quality fish broth or stock—it’s key to the dish’s depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Crusty artisan bread or garlic toast
- A green salad with citrus vinaigrette
- A crisp white wine like Vinho Verde or Sauvignon Blanc
- End the meal with These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies or This Big Family Banana Pudding
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to prevent dryness.
- Freeze: Best enjoyed fresh, but the rice and seafood mixture can be frozen for up to 1 month (expect some texture change in seafood).
More Recipes You Will Love
- This Big Family Banana Pudding
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- This Dorito Casserole
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- This Blueberry Lemonade
Final Thoughts
This Portuguese-Style Seafood Rice is one of those dishes that delivers elegance and soul in every bite. It’s rustic yet refined, bold but balanced, and full of the savory aromas that make Mediterranean cuisine so beloved. Whether you’re sharing it at a dinner party or savoring a quiet bowl at home, it’s a dish you’ll want to return to again and again.
Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac and share your plate. For more international comfort food, follow Jason Griffith and the ChefManiac kitchen.
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