Delicious Seafood Rice Recipes: Shrimp, Crab Brulee, Swordfish & More

What is Seafood Rice?

Seafood rice is a comforting dish that blends the fresh flavors of the ocean with the hearty texture of rice. Popular in many cultures—from Spanish paella to Louisiana jambalaya—it’s all about striking a balance between savory seafood and warm, aromatic grains.

The method is simple: sauté vegetables and spices, stir in rice and broth, then gently add seafood to keep it tender. Whether you prefer shrimp, crab, scallops, or fish, seafood rice is easy to adapt based on the season or your taste.

Nutritional Benefits of Seafood & Rice

Seafood rice isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients too. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the table:

Seafood rice is also lower in saturated fats compared to red meat dishes and can easily be adapted for gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb diets by swapping rice with cauliflower rice.

Core Seafood Rice Recipe

Ingredients List

Here’s a foundational seafood rice recipe that’s rich, balanced, and easily customizable depending on the seafood you have on hand.

Main Ingredients

Optional Add-ins

Instructions:

1: Prep Your Ingredients
Chop and measure everything first. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove extra starch.

2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onions until translucent (about 3–4 minutes), then add bell pepper, garlic, and tomato. Cook for 2 more minutes.

3: Add Spices and Rice
Stir in smoked paprika, turmeric (plus saffron or chili flakes if using). Add the rinsed rice and toast it with the aromatics for 1–2 minutes.

4: Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the rice is almost cooked.

5: Add Seafood
Arrange the seafood on top of the rice. Cover and cook for another 5–7 minutes until seafood is opaque and rice is tender. Avoid stirring to let the bottom crisp slightly.

6: Rest and Serve
Turn off the heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with herbs and serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips for Perfect Seafood Rice

• Add seafood late to keep it tender and juicy.
• Use a wide, shallow pan for even cooking and better broth absorption.
• Make your own seafood stock by simmering shrimp shells or fish bones with aromatics for deeper flavor.
• Let the rice rest after cooking to help flavors settle and moisture redistribute.
• Crisp the bottom slightly (like paella’s socarrat) for a delicious texture contrast.

Seafood Variations to Elevate Your Rice Dish

Shrimp and Scallop Seafood Rice

This combo is a crowd-pleaser—plump shrimp and sweet, buttery scallops pair beautifully with seasoned rice.

Ingredient tweaks:

Instructions:

1. Sear scallops first in butter until golden brown (1–2 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2. Add shrimp during the last 4–5 minutes of cooking.
3. Finish by gently folding scallops back into the rice before resting.
4. Garnish with lemon zest and chopped chives for a fresh touch.

This version works beautifully with a slightly spicy rice base and a dash of cream if you want a richer finish.

Crab Brulee Fusion Rice

This crab brulee recipe offers an elegant twist that brings the sweet flavor of crab and a creamy, almost custard-like texture to the dish—with a crispy top for contrast.

Ingredients :

Instructions:

1. Once the rice is cooked, fold in crab meat and cream mixture.
2. Spoon into individual ramekins or a shallow baking dish.
3. Top with cheese and brown sugar or buttered breadcrumbs.
4. Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbling.

It’s a “fusion” because it marries the feel of a seafood casserole or baked rice pudding with a gourmet brulee finish.

Swordfish-Infused Seafood Rice

This swordfish recipe adds a meaty, steak-like texture that gives the dish a heartier edge—perfect for those seeking a protein-packed meal.

Ingredients :

Instructions:

1. Lightly season and pan-sear swordfish chunks until just cooked (don’t overdo it—swordfish can dry out).
2. Stir into the rice during the last 3 minutes.
3. Add lemon zest and capers before serving to brighten the dish.

This variation benefits from a side of sautéed greens or a fennel-citrus salad.

Rockfish Rice Bowl Ideas

Rockfish recipes are ideal when you want something mild, flaky, and perfect for a rice bowl-style presentation. Think build-your-own seafood bowls—great for meal prepping or casual dinners.

Ingredients :

Instructions:

1. Cook rockfish and flake into large pieces.
2. Scoop seafood rice into bowls.
3. Top with rockfish and your choice of toppings and sauce.

This format adds flexibility—each person can customize their bowl. It’s a fun way to repurpose leftovers, too.

Pairings and Presentation Ideas

Sides That Complement Seafood Rice

A great seafood rice dish is flavorful and filling, but the right side dishes can balance it out, add freshness, or elevate it into a full-on feast. Here are a few ideal pairings by flavor profile:

Creative Serving Styles

Seafood rice can be plated in a lot of cool and creative ways depending on the occasion. Here are a few ideas to upgrade your presentation game:

Family-Style

• Serve it straight from the pan or skillet at the table.
• Garnish with lemon wedges, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil for that “rustic yet elevated” look.

Individual Bowls

• Ideal for casual dinners or meal prep.
• Layer rice first, then top with seafood, garnishes, and sauce for a build-your-own feel.

Ramekins or Mini Cast Iron Skillets

• Perfect for crab brulee or portioned servings.
• Bake with cheese on top for a golden crust—these look great on the table.

Shell Presentation

• For dramatic flair, serve scallop rice in cleaned scallop shells, or crab rice in crab shells or ramekins styled like them.

Molded Rice Towers

• Use a small bowl or ring mold to shape the rice on the plate, then top it with seafood and garnish—great for date nights or special occasions.

A final dusting of smoked paprika, a drizzle of citrus-infused oil, or a few microgreens can go a long way visually without overwhelming the dish.

Storage, Reheating & Safety Tips

Seafood rice is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’ve got leftovers, here’s how to handle them the right way:

🧊 Storage Guidelines

🔥 Reheating Tips

Microwave Method (Quick & Easy)

• Add a splash of broth, water, or even lemon juice before reheating.
• Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Heat on medium power in 30–45 second bursts, stirring gently in between.

Stovetop Method (Best Texture)

• Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil or butter.
• Add rice and a few tablespoons of broth or water.
• Stir gently until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the seafood.

Oven Method (For Large Portions)

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Place rice in an oven-safe dish, splash with broth, cover with foil.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until hot all the way through.

🛑 Avoid These Mistakes

• Don’t reheat more than once. This increases the risk of foodborne illness.
• Skip the microwave if the rice has crispy or layered textures (like crab brulee). You’ll lose the crust.
• If it smells off, toss it. Seafood doesn’t hide spoilage well—when in doubt, don’t risk it.

FAQs About Seafood Rice Recipes

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, absolutely. Frozen seafood is a convenient, budget-friendly option and works well in most seafood rice dishes—as long as it’s handled properly.

Tips for using frozen seafood:

• Thaw safely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water (never at room temperature).
• Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels—excess water can make your dish soggy.
• Flash-sear or poach briefly before adding to the rice to preserve texture and flavor.
• Avoid using previously frozen seafood in dishes like crab brulee that rely on delicate textures.

What’s the best rice-to-liquid ratio?

It depends a bit on the rice type and whether you want a drier, paella-style rice or something a little more moist and tender.

Pro Tip: If adding lots of vegetables or juicy seafood, you can slightly reduce liquid since they’ll release moisture during cooking.

How do I make it spicy or creamy?

To make it spicy:

• Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced fresh chili when cooking the aromatics.
• Use a spicy seasoning blend like Cajun or Creole.
• Finish with a swirl of hot sauce (like sriracha, peri-peri, or harissa) before serving.

To make it creamy:

• Stir in a splash of cream, coconut milk, or crème fraîche after cooking.
• Use a soft cheese like mascarpone or a grating of Parmesan for added body.
• A beaten egg yolk tempered with warm broth can be folded in for a rich, custardy finish (especially for dishes like crab brulee).

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes—but with some caveats. Seafood rice can be frozen, but texture may change slightly, especially with delicate ingredients like scallops or crab.

Best practices for freezing:

• Freeze individual portions for faster thawing.
• Label with date—use within 1 month.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating (never on the counter).
• Reheat gently (see section 5) and avoid re-freezing after thawing.

Great freezer-safe seafoods: Shrimp, firm white fish (like cod or swordfish), and mussels (if removed from the shell and frozen properly).
Less freezer-friendly: Scallops and crab can become mushy if not handled carefully.

🌟 Featured Recipe Card

Classic One-Pan Seafood Rice

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• Author: Chef KAYA
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This vibrant and aromatic seafood rice brings together a medley of shrimp, scallops, mussels, and squid with fragrant spices and tender long-grain rice. It’s a balanced, one-pan meal that’s both satisfying and adaptable, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (e.g., jasmine or basmati)
• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid, scallops – cleaned and prepped)
• 3 cups seafood or chicken stock (low sodium preferred)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, to serve

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Instructions

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add bell pepper, garlic, and tomato; cook 2 more minutes.

2. Stir in smoked paprika and turmeric. Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.

3.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes.

4. Layer seafood over the rice, cover again, and cook 5–7 minutes until seafood is opaque and rice is tender.

5. Let rest for 5 minutes off heat. Garnish with herbs and lemon wedges before serving.

Notes

To enhance the dish, let the bottom layer of rice crisp slightly for a paella-style texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: One-Pan Cooking
• Cuisine: Global Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ¾ cups
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: seafood rice, one-pan seafood, paella-inspired rice, mixed seafood dish, rice with shrimp and scallops