If you are dreaming of a rustic, crowd-pleasing meal to bring your camping experience to the next level, the amping Trip-Oregon Coast Campfire Paella is an absolute must-try. This vibrant one-pot seafood paella combines the smoky charm of an open fire with fresh coastal ingredients that celebrate the Pacific Northwest’s bounty. Bursting with juicy shellfish, sweet roasted tomatoes, and the golden glow of saffron, this recipe offers a soulful, flavorful adventure that turns simple campfire cooking into a memorable feast while you soak in the magic of the Oregon Coast.

amping Trip-Oregon Coast Campfire Paella Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To craft this amping Trip-Oregon Coast Campfire Paella, you’ll keep things straightforward but impactful. Each ingredient plays a vital role in layering flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish shine uniquely around the campfire.

1 pound seafood: Choose a mix of mussels, clams, shrimp, or prawns for that fresh, briny taste from the coast.

15 cherry tomatoes: Roasting these brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth.
1 ½ cup broth: A flavorful base that infuses the rice with warmth and richness.

Big pinch of saffron: The golden spice that imparts that signature aroma and color to your paella.
1 medium onion, minced: For sweetness and foundational flavor that complements the seafood beautifully.

3 tablespoons olive oil: The fat that ties everything together and helps create that coveted crispy crust.
2 teaspoons salt: Essential for balancing the flavors of the seafood and broth.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just the right hint of warmth without overpowering the dish.

1 cup short-grained rice: Bomba or Calrose rice works best since they absorb liquids superbly without getting mushy.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant punch that elevates the savory layers.
½ teaspoon paprika: A smoky spice that rounds out the flavor profile.

½ cup Kenwood Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc: The wine’s acidity adds brightness and helps deglaze the pan while cooking.
Parsley, to garnish: Fresh herbs bring a burst of color and freshness to finish your paella perfectly.

How to Make Easy Campfire Seafood Paella Recipe for Fall Camping Trips

Step 1: Prep Your Seafood Like a Pro

Start by giving your seafood the attention it deserves: scrub the mussels and clams thoroughly, debeard the mussels, and devein the shrimp or prawns if they haven’t been prepped already. Soak the mussels and clams in cold water to help them expel any sand while you get the rest of your ingredients ready. This step not only ensures clean seafood but also enhances the final dish’s fresh, oceanic flavor.

Step 2: Get That Campfire Going

Light your campfire with confidence; you want a strong flame rather than embers because you’ll be cooking over direct high heat. Place your cast iron skillet on the grill grate to preheat. For a thoughtful touch, skewer your cherry tomatoes and roast them over the fire — this draws out their sweetness and infuses the paella with a subtle smoky undertone that’s just heavenly.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Aromatics

In your preheated skillet, warm the olive oil and then add the minced onion along with salt and red pepper flakes. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the onions start to soften, releasing their natural sweetness. This is the foundation for your paella’s layered flavor, where the aroma of soft onions mingles with a hint of spice.

Step 4: Toast the Rice and Add Garlic

Next, stir in the short-grain rice and minced garlic, toasting the grains for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the rice taking on a gentle golden hue — this process prevents the grains from becoming mushy and adds a nutty undertone. After that, pour in the Sauvignon Blanc and stir until the rice has fully absorbed the wine, enhancing the dish with a subtle fruity acidity.

Step 5: Spice It Up and Pour in the Broth

Sprinkle in the paprika and stir to coat the rice evenly before adding your saffron-infused broth and those beautifully roasted cherry tomatoes. Give everything a good stir, then let the mixture simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. This slow absorption is what makes the rice tender and imbued with flavor — patience here pays off in every bite.

Step 6: Introduce the Seafood and Finish Cooking

Time to add the star players: mussels, clams, and shrimp. Nestle them into the rice mixture and allow everything to cook together for about 15 more minutes. The dish is ready when the rice is tender, the liquid evaporated, and you start to hear the delicious “crackling” sound — an indicator that the cherished socarrat, the crispy crust at the bottom, has formed. This crunchy layer is what truly distinguishes your amping Trip-Oregon Coast Campfire Paella.

Step 7: Serve It Up and Garnish

Remove your paella from the fire, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a hint of herbal brightness, and grab a glass of the leftover Sauvignon Blanc to really seal the moment. The combination of textures, flavors, and aromas from this campfire paella will linger in your memory for every outdoor feast to come.

How to Serve Easy Campfire Seafood Paella Recipe for Fall Camping Trips

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also balances the richness of the seafood and rice perfectly. If you want to get adventurous, squeeze a splash of fresh lemon juice at the table — it brightens every bite and highlights the coastal flair of the paella.

Side Dishes

This campfire meal is satisfying on its own, but if you want a little more variety, consider a simple mixed green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette or some crusty bread for mopping up the flavorful juices. Both options keep the meal light and let the paella truly shine without competing flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, communal experience, serve the paella straight from the cast iron skillet placed in the center of your picnic table or campfire site. You can also bring small bowls for easy portioning and garnish each serving with a lemon wedge and extra parsley. Presentation like this feels festive, rustic, and perfect for sharing stories and laughs under the stars while enjoying your amping Trip-Oregon Coast Campfire Paella.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cool the paella to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated and consume within two days to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

While freezing paella isn’t ideal because the texture of seafood and rice can change, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. To maintain the best quality, freeze the seafood and rice separately if possible.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice. Cover the pan to trap steam and warm the seafood through without drying it out. Avoid overheating so you keep the delightful textures intact.

FAQs

Can I use different types of seafood in this paella?

Absolutely! The beauty of the amping Trip-Oregon Coast Campfire Paella is its flexibility. Feel free to mix mussels, clams, shrimp, prawns, or even add scallops or chunks of firm fish based on what’s fresh and available.

Do I have to cook this over a campfire?

Nope. While cooking over a campfire lends that signature smoky flavor and charm, you can prepare this paella on a stovetop or grill at home. Just adjust the heat levels accordingly and use a heavy-bottomed skillet or paella pan.

What if I can’t find saffron?

Saffron is key for authentic flavor and color here, but if it’s out of reach, you can substitute with a pinch of turmeric for color and a small pinch of paprika for flavor. It won’t be quite the same but will still create a delicious dish.

Is short-grain rice necessary?

Yes, short-grain rice like Bomba or Calrose is preferred because it absorbs liquids well without becoming mushy, which is critical for achieving the perfect texture in paella.

Can I prepare ingredients in advance for camping?

Definitely! Pre-mince your garlic and onion, soak and clean your seafood, and even pre-roast your cherry tomatoes at home to save time at the campsite. Just store everything properly to keep it fresh until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Embracing the amping Trip-Oregon Coast Campfire Paella on your next camping excursion is a game changer. It turns cooking outdoors into an experience filled with flavors that transport you straight to the rugged shorelines of Oregon. This dish invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and share warmth with friends around the fire. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—it’s a delicious way to make lasting memories one scoop at a time.