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Easy Campfire Seafood Paella Recipe for Fall Camping Trips

amping Trip-Oregon Coast Campfire Paella Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Experience the rich flavors of the Oregon Coast with this authentic campfire paella recipe, perfect for your next camping trip. This one-pot meal combines fresh seafood, smoky roasted cherry tomatoes, and fragrant saffron-infused rice cooked over an open flame, creating a delicious and hearty dish that’s both convenient and impressive.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 1 pound seafood (mussels, clams, shrimp, prawns, or a mix)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 15 cherry tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Parsley, for garnish

Liquids & Broth

  • 1 ½ cup broth
  • ½ cup Kenwood Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

Spices & Seasonings

  • Big pinch of saffron
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Others

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup short-grained rice (Bomba is traditional; Calrose can be used)

Instructions

  1. Prep the seafood: Scrub the mussels and clams to remove any grit, debeard the mussels, and devein the shrimp or prawns if they are not already prepared. Soak the mussels and clams in a large bowl of cold water while you prepare the other ingredients to help them purge any sand.
  2. Start your campfire and preheat skillet: Build your campfire with high flames; there is no need to wait for embers. Place your cast iron skillet on the grill over the fire to preheat. Optionally, skewer the cherry tomatoes and place them on the grill to roast, adding a smoky flavor and drawing out their natural sweetness.
  3. Prepare broth and aromatics: Measure 1 ½ cups of broth into a cup or small bowl and stir in the big pinch of saffron. Set aside. Dice the onion and mince the garlic so they are ready for cooking.
  4. Sauté onion: Once the skillet is hot, add olive oil, followed by the diced onion, salt, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion just begins to soften, releasing its fragrant aroma.
  5. Toast rice and garlic: Add the rice and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until the rice begins to turn golden but not browned. Pour in the Sauvignon Blanc wine and stir until it is fully absorbed by the rice, about 3 minutes.
  6. Add spices, broth, and tomatoes: Sprinkle the paprika over the rice and stir briefly to coat. Then add the saffron-infused broth along with the roasted cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients. Allow the mixture to cook undisturbed for 15 minutes so the rice can absorb the liquid.
  7. Add seafood and finish cooking: After 15 minutes, nestle the mussels, clams, and shrimp into the rice. Cook for approximately 15 more minutes, until the rice is tender, liquid is absorbed, and you hear a crackling sound indicating the formation of socarrat—the crispy, golden crust that makes paella special.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve hot, ideally paired with a glass of the remaining Sauvignon Blanc wine for a perfect campfire meal experience.

Notes

  • Scrubbing and soaking shellfish is essential to remove sand and impurities.
  • The roasting of cherry tomatoes over the fire adds a smoky depth of flavor; if unavailable, use fresh tomatoes but the flavor will be less intense.
  • Bomba rice is preferred for paella due to its short grain and ability to absorb liquid well, but Calrose rice is a suitable alternative.
  • Ensure the fire is hot and consistent for even cooking; adjust skillet placement as needed.
  • Socarrat, the crispy bottom crust, is a prized feature of paella—listen for the crackling sound to know when it has formed.
  • This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently over low heat if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: campfire paella, seafood paella, one-pot meals, camping recipes, Oregon Coast recipes, saffron rice, seafood recipes, outdoor cooking

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/amping-trip-oregon-coast-campfire-paella-recipe/