🦐 Authentic Portuguese Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco) Recipe
"Portuguese Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco) – a comforting one-pot dish with rice, shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid in a rich tomato broth. Authentic Portuguese recipe!"
If you’re looking for a flavorful, comforting dish straight from Portugal’s coastal kitchens, you’ll love this Portuguese Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco). Similar to Spanish paella but creamier, this dish combines rice, fresh seafood, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs into a rich, savory meal. Perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings, this authentic recipe will bring the taste of the Atlantic right to your table.
⭐ Why You’ll Love Portuguese Seafood Rice
- Authentic flavors – tastes just like the ones served in Portugal.
- Seafood lovers’ dream – packed with shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid.
- One-pot comfort food – easy to make and feeds a crowd.
- Versatile – you can use fresh or frozen seafood depending on availability.
🥘 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup medium-grain rice (like arborio or carolino rice)
- 4 cups seafood or fish stock (warm)
- ½ cup white wine
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 clams, scrubbed
- 8 mussels, scrubbed
- 1 squid, cleaned and cut into rings
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
2. Add Tomatoes & Spices
Stir in the tomatoes and paprika. Cook for 5 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Rice & Stock
Stir in the rice, coating it in the flavors. Pour in the wine and warm seafood stock. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the Seafood
After about 10 minutes, add shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the seafood is cooked (10–12 minutes).
5. Finish & Serve
Season with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
🍋 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread or Portuguese cornbread (Broa).
- Serve with a crisp white wine like Vinho Verde for an authentic Portuguese meal.
- Garnish with extra parsley or chili flakes for a little kick.
❄️ Storage Tips
- Best enjoyed fresh.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Avoid freezing, as seafood may lose texture.
❓ FAQs About Portuguese Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco)
1. What is Portuguese Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco)?
Portuguese Seafood Rice, known as Arroz de Marisco, is a traditional one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, and a mix of fresh seafood such as shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid. It’s similar to paella but creamier in texture.
2. What type of rice is best for Portuguese Seafood Rice?
Medium-grain rice such as carolino rice (used in Portugal) or arborio rice works best. These absorb liquid well and create the creamy consistency that makes this dish unique.
3. Can I make Portuguese Seafood Rice with frozen seafood?
Yes! While fresh seafood gives the best flavor, frozen shrimp, mussels, clams, or squid can be used. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
4. What does Portuguese Seafood Rice taste like?
It’s savory, slightly creamy, and packed with seafood flavor. The rice absorbs the rich broth from the stock, tomatoes, and seafood, giving it a comforting, hearty taste.
5. Can I make Portuguese Seafood Rice in advance?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, as seafood can become rubbery when reheated. If you need to prepare in advance, cook the rice base and add the seafood just before serving.
6. Can Portuguese Seafood Rice be made spicy?
Traditionally, it’s mild, but you can add chili flakes or piri-piri sauce for a spicier kick.
7. What do you serve with Portuguese Seafood Rice?
It’s often served with Portuguese cornbread (Broa) and a glass of Vinho Verde (Portuguese white wine). A fresh green salad also pairs nicely.
🥘 Similar Recipes to Portuguese Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco) :
1. Spanish Paella 🇪🇸
A famous Spanish rice dish made with saffron, vegetables, and a mix of seafood or meats.
2. Italian Seafood Risotto 🇮🇹
Creamy risotto cooked slowly with broth, shrimp, mussels, and clams for a rich, indulgent seafood meal.
3. Portuguese Grilled Sardines (Sardinhas Assadas) 🇵🇹
One of Portugal’s most iconic seafood recipes, featuring whole sardines grilled and served with olive oil and lemon.
4. Brazilian Moqueca (Fish Stew) 🇧🇷
A coconut milk–based fish stew with peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, similar in comfort to Portuguese seafood dishes.
5. French Bouillabaisse 🇫🇷
A Provençal seafood stew made with mixed fish, shellfish, and herbs, served with crusty bread and rouille.

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