This Easy One-Pot Scallops & Chorizo Paella recipe is ready in 30 minutes. Great for when you crave good food but don’t have all day to cook.
I adore Paella but don’t often have the time or all of the ingredients needed to make the real deal. If you’re a fan, and you like quick versions, you can check out my recipe for SHRIMP AND CHORIZO RICE (which is similar but is more tomato-based) and if you have a bit more time, you can try my CHORIZO & CHICKEN PAELLA which cooks longer for more flavor and has the addition of red peppers as well as tomatoes.
Why This Recipe Works
- This recipe uses a one-pot method so it’s easy and delicious.
- Infusing the saffron in the stock gives the dish that classic paella aroma and taste.
- White wine adds that authentic Mediterranean touch to this fantastic rice dish.
This one-pot dinner is one of those recipes that everyone can agree on. The flavors are simple enough for the kids but the flavors are sophisticated enough to satisfy adults too.
What Rice For Paella?
This recipe calls for parboiled or converted rice. In the US, look for Uncle Bens Converted Rice, or Golden Canilla Parboiled Rice. In the UK, buy Uncle Bens Long Grain Rice (not quick cook).
Substituting The Rice
You can use other types of long-grain rice (although I don’t recommend instant, quick-cook, or brown rice). Just be sure to consult the package instructions for the rice to liquid ratios and cooking times and adjust accordingly.
How to Make Easy One pot Scallops & chorizo Paella
- Make the stock and infuse with saffron.
- Fry the chorizo, add onion, cook until softened.
- Saute the scallops. Set aside.
- Add white wine, rice, and herbs/spices.
- Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add scallops to pan.
- Serve and enjoy!
FAQs
The most important ingredient in paella is the rice! You should use a very absobant rice (speicality paella rice is best), short or medium grain, never long grain. Short grain rice absorbs more water and doesn’t go mushy.
One of the most important parts of the paella is teh so, this is the crusty crispy bottom that is deliciously caremelized and toasted. It adds all the flavor to the dish.
The best rice is preferrably Spanish bomba rice, however you can use risotto rice if you can’t find anything suitable.
You can use any other sausage as long as it is fatty, or you can use Mexican chorizo for extra spice.
You can use any short grain rice for paella. Arborio or Italian rice works well too.
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Let’s Make Easy One Pot Scallops & Chorizo Paella
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 14 ounces chorizo sausage cut into slices
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 14 ounces raw scallops cleaned
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups long grain rice (converted or parboiled*) see recipe notes below
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- A good handful of fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Bring stock to a simmer in a saucepan; add the saffron and leave to infuse.
- Heat the oil in a shallow pan on medium-high heat and fry the chorizo until it starts to brown and release it’s orange-colored oils. Add the onion and continue to fry until the onion has softened.
- Add the scallops and sauté 3 minutes Add the garlic and fry another minute. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.
- Add the white wine and allow to reduse by half before adding the rice. Coat the rice what’s in the pan and then add the stock, paprika, smoked paprika and parsley. Bring to a boil before reducing the heat. Cover and leave to simmer 15-20 or until the rice is tender.
- Remove from the heat, add the scallops mix to warm with the cooked rice and serve.
Juan J. San Mames says
You cannot use paprika with saffron as it would neutralize the saffron. Chorizo has paprika and again would neutralize the saffron. Paprika does not come into Spanish cuisine until after Colon returns to Spain from America.
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you for your comment and insights! While it’s true that paprika and saffron have distinct flavors that can impact each other, this recipe aims to balance these flavors for a unique dish with combining the smoky depth of paprika with the aromatic quality of saffron. It is meant as a delicious one-pot meal with a balance of traditional and modern Spanish flavors. I hope this explanation helps clarify the intent behind the ingredient choices and inspires you to give it a try. Enjoy your cooking!
Kim Zuters says
My ever lovin daughter Kelsey and her boyfriend made this recipe for myself and Janet (my spouse). While not a full paella it was fantastic and simple. She made it well and she is not a good cook – but learning. Bravo – this will be made in our our house more often
Erren Hart says
Thank you for sharing your experience with this recipe. It’s great to hear that even someone who is still learning to cook was able to make it well and that it was enjoyed by all. This dish is one of our favorites as well, and we’re glad to hear that it will become a regular in your household. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need help with future recipes.
Harri says
Where has this been all my life? Never did I think a dish could be so easy and tasty!
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you Harri, I’m glad you like it, I personally love an excuse to use saffron 🙂
Tracy Middleton says
I often use recipes as a blueprint since frequently I don’t have all of the exact ingredients. As in this case, I didn’t, and couldn’t, find Spanish Chorizo (only Mexican which I don’t prefer) so I substituted Andouille which adds that contrasting spice kick to the sweet flavors of Scallops. It was a complete hit and the recipe is so easy to make – I love one-pot meals! The flavors blended so well and didn’t hear anything but yum…yum…yum from my DH! I live in a high-altitude area so adding additional cooking time is a must to ensure a fully-cooked dish.
Erren's Kitchen says
Wow, sounds like you adapted it beautifully! So glad you enjoyed it Tracy 🙂
Rachel Hannan says
Delicious! Lovely flavours
Erren's Kitchen says
I’m so glad you like this recipe, thank you Rachel 🙂
Tonya says
OMG, you Rock! This recipe was DELISH! Thanks so much!!!
Erren says
You’re quite welcome Tonya! So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Andrea @ Chocolate & Sea Salt says
AH Paella is my favorite. This looks amazing! Pinning 🙂
Erren says
Thanks so much, Andrea!
Connie the chocoholic says
mmm i love the colour of the saffron on the rice!
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
My hubby loves scallops! This one is a keeper Erren! Pinned!
Andrea @ Chocolate & Sea Salt says
I LOVE paella! But don’t love the length of time it takes to make. I’ll definitely have to try this quicker recipe. Pinned 🙂
Erren says
Thanks so much Andrea! 🙂