Instant Pot Shrimp and Scallop Paella Pronto

I love this saffron-infused seafood and rice dish native to Valencia, Spain, but rarely made it because it always seemed complicated and a bit fussy. But now, with the Instant Pot (get yours here: https://amzn.to/2QlkaDf), I can have shrimp and scallop paella in a hurry!

Learn to master the Instant Pot! New Instant Pot Master Class. [learn more]

This dramatic seafood paella looks stunning, with tender scallops and juicy shrimp on a bed of golden rice studded with pretty bell peppers and vibrant green peas. This one-pot dish comes together in only 25 minutes and is phenomenally delicious!

To get a truly authentic flavor, don’t skip the stovetop step to develop that delicious crust on the bottom of the rice. Don’t have time? This rice dish is still amazingly good with all the rice kept in its creamy state.

Pro Tip: Frozen seafood will tend to make the final dish a bit soupy, so make sure your seafood is thawed and well-drained before adding them. However, keep the peas frozen so they don’t break up.

I love this saffron-infused seafood and rice dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp butter
  
• 1 onion, chopped
  
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped 

Spice Mixture:

• 1 tsp paprika
  
• 1 tsp turmeric
  
• 1/2 tsp salt
  
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
  
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 pinch saffron threads 
• 1 cup valencia rice (or arborio)
  
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into short strips
• 1 cup chicken broth
  
• 1/2 cup white wine
  
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (preferably 31-40 size or larger)
• 1 lb sea scallops
  
• 1 cup green peas, frozen
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro or italian parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add butter to the Instant Pot. Using the display panel select the SAUTE function.
2. When butter has melted, add onion to the pot and saute until soft, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
3. Add Spice Mixture ingredients to the pot and cook for 1 minute or until spices are fragrant.
4. Add rice and red pepper to the pot and stir well.
5. Add broth and wine to the pot and deglaze by using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Turn the pot off by selecting CANCEL, then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
7. Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 6 minutes.
8. When the time is up, quick-release the remaining pressure. Add the shrimp, scallops and frozen peas.
9. Cook and gently stir until shrimp and scallops are cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed, returning to SAUTE mode as needed.
10. (Optional) Arrange on a paella pan (or other wide, shallow, stovetop-safe pan) and set on the stovetop, uncovered, on medium-high heat until the bottom of the rice forms a crust, about 5 minutes.
11. Serve family-style sprinkled with cilantro or parsley.

*The MANUAL and PRESSURE COOK buttons are interchangeable.