Go Back
A heavy black cast-iron skillet filled with a vibrant seafood paella, topped with large prawns, mussels, sliced squid, peas, and fresh parsley, served alongside lemon wedges.

Homemade Cast Iron Seafood Paella

An authentic Spanish seafood paella cooked in a cast-iron skillet, featuring prawns, mussels, squid, saffron, and a crispy socarrat crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes peeled and diced
  • 1.5 tsp sweet paprika Pimentón de la Vera
  • 1 pinch saffron threads
  • 2 large squid cleaned and sliced into ¼-inch rings
  • 2 cups short-grain rice Bomba or Calasparra
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 3 cups seafood stock
  • 12 prawns or jumbo shrimp shells on
  • 12 mussels
  • Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large cast-iron skillet (10-inch or larger)
  • Large saucepan
  • Skillet with lid (for mussels)
  • Clean tea towel

Method
 

  1. Simmer white wine, seafood stock, and a pinch of saffron in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Sauté onions until translucent, add garlic, then stir in tomatoes, paprika, and salt until reduced and sizzling.
  3. Add sliced squid and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in short-grain rice for 1 minute, then spread evenly.
  4. Pour in simmering wine/stock mixture. Cook without stirring for 10 minutes.
  5. Lay prawns in a circle on top and cook for 10 more minutes, turning as they turn pink.
  6. Separately steam mussels in a covered skillet until they open. Arrange on top of the paella.
  7. Listen for the crackling sound of the socarrat forming at the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat and cover with a tea towel for 3 minutes to rest.
  8. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Rice Selection: Short-grain Bomba or Calasparra rice is ideal for absorbing liquid without getting mushy, but Arborio works as a backup.
Seafood Swaps: Feel free to customize with clams, scallops, hearty white fish, or lobster based on your preference.