How to Make Delicious Spanish-Style Seafood Noodles at Home

The noodles with seafood are one of the most representative jewels of Spanish gastronomy, especially in coastal areas where fresh produce dictates the pace of cooking. This dish has become a must on family tables for its ability to gather the deepest flavors of the sea in a single pot. It is a low-difficulty preparation, ideal for those seeking restaurant-quality results without excessive complications, achieving a balance between the tenderness of the squid and the intensity of the prawns.

When served, you’ll notice how the aromas of brandy and paprika mingle with the concentrated broth, creating a comforting and vibrant experience on the palate. The texture of the noodle, which absorbs all the cooking juices, becomes the perfect vehicle to enjoy the freshness of the mussels. Next, we’ll guide you through the technical process so you can achieve a balanced, aromatic dish full of tradition.

The secret of deep flavor: the broth and sofrito

To make this dish stand out, it is essential to pay attention to the elements that build the base of the stew, since their intensity depends on the final result.

• The shellfish fumet: by simmering the shells of the prawns in water, you extract the essential oils and the concentrated marine flavor that a bouillon cube by itself would not reach. It’s a simple step that completely transforms the aromatic profile of the recipe.

• The sofrito technique: sautéing the garlic and pepper over medium heat allows them to release their natural sugars without burning; this is the foundation on which the rest of the flavors are built, ensuring that each ingredient contributes its distinctive note to the whole.

• The paprika point: add the sweet paprika together with the squid and stir quickly to prevent the spice from toasting too much and becoming bitter, letting its color and aroma integrate uniformly with the fried tomato.

The cooking of the pasta and the final touch

Achieving that the noodles are cooked to perfection requires observation and control of the liquids, ensuring the texture is right when they are served.

• Control of hydration: during the fifteen minutes of cooking, always keep hot water on hand; this is vital because if the liquid evaporates too quickly, adding cold water would cut the cooking of the starch, affecting the final texture of the pasta.

• The fresh touch: spearmint is not just a garnish, but an element that provides a necessary herbaceous note to cleanse the palate after the richness of the seafood, elevating the dish’s sensory experience.

Noodles with seafood | RECIPE

Ingredients

• 360/400 g of noodles thick

• 1 Italian green bell pepper

• Tomato sauce

• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika

• Fresh mussels

• Shrimp

• Fresh squid

• 1 fish stock cube

• Brandy

• Food coloring

• Spearmint

• 5 cloves of garlic

Preparation

1. Begin by peeling and finely chopping the garlic and the green pepper.

2. Clean the squid by turning them inside out to remove any impurities from inside.

3. Cook the mussels in a separate pot until they open.

4. Peel the shrimp and reserve the meat. Place the shells in one liter of water and bring to a boil to create a concentrated stock; once ready, strain it and keep it hot.

5. Chop the squid into small pieces.

6. In a wide pan, sauté the chopped pepper and garlic over medium heat.

7. Add the chopped squid to the sofrito and add the sweet paprika, a little fried tomato, a splash of brandy, the peeled shrimp, the fish stock cube and half a teaspoon of food coloring.

8. Mix well between each ingredient to integrate the flavors and avoid lumps with the coloring.

9. Pour the water from boiling the shrimp shells into the pot and let it boil.

10. Add the noodles and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes. During this time, add the cooked mussels and, if you notice the liquid is getting too low, top up with a little hot water to maintain proper cooking.

11. Serve the noodles on plates and finish by garnishing with fresh spearmint leaves.

This dish stands out as a low-calorie option, free of trans fats and without added fats, making it a nutritious and balanced alternative for any day of the week. Enjoy the warmth of this traditional recipe that turns simple ingredients into a complete culinary experience.

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