8 most popular Spanish seafood you must try
February 20, 2023
Paella de Marisco is one of Spain's most famous dishes, and for good reason. The combination of saffron-infused rice with shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid creates a flavorful and filling meal. The dish originates from Valencia, but it's enjoyed all over Spain and even worldwide. Each chef has their own unique spin on the dish, and you can find versions that include lobster, scallops, and even chicken.

Pulpo a la Gallega, or Galician-style octopus, is a simple yet delicious dish. The octopus is boiled in salted water until tender, then sliced and served with olive oil, salt, and paprika. The dish originated in the region of Galicia, in the northwest of Spain, where octopus is a local delicacy. It's a popular dish at festivals and fairs, and you can find it in most seafood restaurants in Spain.

Gambas al Ajillo, or shrimp in garlic sauce, is a classic tapa that's found in every Spanish bar. The dish is made by cooking peeled shrimp in a sauce of olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers. The combination of the sweet shrimp with the spicy garlic sauce is a flavor explosion in your mouth. It's usually served with crusty bread to soak up all the sauce.

Sopa de Marisco, or seafood soup, is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for colder months. The soup is made by simmering a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid, with vegetables like onions, carrots, and potatoes. The broth is then flavored with garlic, saffron, and other herbs and spices. It's a dish that's easy to make at home, and it's a great way to warm up on a chilly evening.

Zarzuela de Marisco is a seafood stew that's typically made with a variety of fish and shellfish. The dish originated in Catalonia, and it's a popular dish in the region. The stew is usually made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and white wine, and it's flavored with paprika and saffron. The seafood is added towards the end of the cooking process, so it stays tender and flavorful.

Chipirones en su Tinta, or squid in its own ink, is a unique and flavorful dish that's worth trying. The squid is cooked in its own ink, which gives it a dark color and a rich, briny flavor. The dish is usually served with rice, and it's a popular dish in the Basque Country, in northern Spain.

Mejillones en Escabeche, or mussels in vinegar marinade, is a simple yet delicious dish that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The mussels are cooked in a vinegar-based marinade, which gives them a tangy flavor. The dish is usually served cold, and it's a popular dish in coastal regions of Spain.
Langostinos a la Plancha Langostinos a la Plancha, or grilled prawns, is a dish that's simple yet delicious. The prawns are brushed with olive oil and garlic and then grilled until they're charred and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The dish is usually served with a wedge of lemon and some parsley.

Calamares a la Romana, or Roman-style fried calamari, is a popular Spanish dish that's enjoyed as a tapa or as a main course. The dish consists of squid rings that are coated in a light batter made from flour, eggs, and milk, and then deep-fried until they're crispy and golden brown. The calamari is usually served with a wedge of lemon and a garlic mayonnaise dipping sauce.
One of the secrets to making great Calamares a la Romana is using fresh squid. The squid should be cleaned and sliced into rings before being coated in the batter. The batter should be thin and not too heavy, so that the calamari remains tender and doesn't become too greasy.
Another important aspect of the dish is the dipping sauce. The most common sauce served with Calamares a la Romana is alioli, a garlic mayonnaise made from garlic, egg yolks, and olive oil. The sauce is rich and creamy, and complements the crispy calamari perfectly.

And there you have it, folks! The top ten most popular Spanish seafood dishes that you simply must try. Whether you're a seafood lover or someone who's just looking to expand their culinary horizons, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
So the next time you find yourself in Spain or at a Spanish restaurant, be sure to give these dishes a try. And who knows, you might just discover a new favorite dish that you'll be craving for years to come.
And let's not forget that seafood is not only delicious but also a healthy source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. So, go ahead and indulge in these mouthwatering dishes guilt-free.
In the end, it's all about enjoying good food and good company. And there's no better way to do that than with a plate of delicious Spanish seafood and a glass of wine or two. Bon appétit!