Japanese Paella
Impress Your Guests with Umami-packed Paella
As the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to gather friends and family for some outdoor fun and delicious food. And trust me, this paella recipe is bound to steal the show.
Bring in new secret ingredients: Soy Sauce and Sake to your Paella. It will turn out to be a Umami-rich dish that everyone will love.
RECIPE
Servings: 5-6
Time: 50 min
Ingredients:
2 cups rice
2 cloves garlic
1/4 pc onion
2 pcs tomato
1 pc paprika
8-10 pcs shrimp
2-3 pcs squid
8-10 pcs clams
My Kitchen Tools:
Instructions:
Start by dicing the onion, tomato, and paprika into small pieces. Crush the garlic cloves. Devein the shrimp but keep the shells on for added flavor. Rinse the clams thoroughly, and cut the squid into bite-sized pieces.
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add olive oil, shrimp, clams, and squid, then pour in the sake and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Quickly stir to combine, then cover with a lid. Allow the clams to steam until they open. Once they do, remove the seafood from the pan and set aside, making sure to separate them from the flavorful juices they've released.
In the same pan, add the diced onion and crushed garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent. Next, add in the rice and diced tomato. Stir well to coat the rice in the aromatic mixture, allowing it to toast slightly for a few minutes.
Pour the seafood juices into a measuring cup. You should have approximately 2/3 cup of liquid. To this, add the soy sauce, stir well to combine.
Pour the liquid mixture into the pan with the rice. Add the measured water as well. Quickly stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly coated and distributed throughout the pan.
Carefully place the cooked seafood back into the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Arrange some paprika strips on top for added color and flavor.
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the paella to simmer gently for about 20 minutes.
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the paella sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
Garnish your paella with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Paella, traditional Spanish dish meets Japanese ingredients:
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the Valencia region on the eastern coast of Spain. It's a flavorful and vibrant one-pan rice dish that's typically cooked over an open flame, although it can also be made on a stovetop. Paella is renowned for its rich combination of ingredients, including rice, various meats, seafood, and vegetables, all seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices.
The dish takes its name from the wide, shallow pan it's cooked in, also called a "paella pan." This pan allows for even cooking and the formation of a delicious crispy layer of rice at the bottom, known as "socarrat," which is highly prized in traditional paella.
Paella is not just a meal; it's a cultural experience that brings people together. Traditionally, paella is enjoyed with family and friends gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter as they savor each delicious bite. It's often served as the centerpiece of festive occasions and celebrations, making it a symbol of Spanish hospitality and culinary excellence. Whether you're enjoying a rustic paella cooked over an open fire or a modern interpretation in a bustling city restaurant, one thing is certain: paella is a dish that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression on all who taste it.
