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Arroz de Marisco

A saffron-tinted rice dish loaded with prawns, clams, and squid — the Atlantic cooked into every grain.

⏱ 25 minPrep time
🔥 40 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Arroz de Marisco

Arroz de Marisco is Portugal’s soulful answer to paella — a soupy, saffron-kissed rice that cradles shrimp, clams, mussels and whatever the tide brings in. Unlike drier Spanish rice dishes, it stays loose and brothy, meant to be eaten with a spoon rather than a fork.

Built on a shellfish stock simmered from the shells, it carries the ocean in every grain. A weekend favorite at beach-town tables, it is ladled into wide bowls with lemon wedges and a glass of vinho verde, gathering family around one generous pot.

Perfect rice is the foundation here — our How to Cook Perfect Rice Every Time covers ratios, rinsing, and resting.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Peel the shrimp and reserve the shells; simmer the shells in the fish stock for 15 minutes, then strain.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a wide pan and soften the onion, garlic and bell pepper, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomatoes, paprika and saffron and cook 2 minutes, then add the rice and wine, stirring to coat.
  4. Pour in the hot stock and bring to a boil; simmer uncovered 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Nestle in the clams and mussels and cook 5 minutes, then add the shrimp and cook 3-4 minutes more, until the rice is tender and the broth is creamy.
  6. Rest 5 minutes, scatter with cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Keep the rice looser than you think you should — it thickens as it rests. Use the best fish stock you can find; it is the backbone of the dish.

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Recipe details

Prep25 min
Cook40 min
Servings6
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →