Seafood Risotto

 Seafood Risotto

A luxurious, creamy Italian risotto infused with fresh seafood flavors. Tender shrimp, calamari, and mussels are folded into perfectly cooked Arborio rice, enriched with white wine, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon zest. Elegant, comforting, and bursting with coastal aromas.

Cook Time 30 mins
 

Total Time45 mins

CourseMain Dish

Servings4

Ingredients

Seafood

• 200 g shrimp, peeled
• 200 g calamari, sliced
• 150 g mussels or clams (optional)

Risotto

• 1½ cups Arborio rice (or Carnaroli)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup white wine (optional but recommended)
• 1 liter (4 cups) hot fish or vegetable broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt & black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the seafood

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan.
• Add shrimp and calamari; cook for 2–3 minutes until just cooked.
• Add mussels or clams if using, cover for 2–3 minutes until they open.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

Start the risotto

• In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter.
• Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
• Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
• Add the Arborio rice and toast for 1–2 minutes until edges are translucent.
• Pour in the white wine and let it evaporate.

Cook the risotto

• Add 1 ladle of hot broth to the rice.
• Stir continuously until absorbed.
• Continue adding broth, one ladle at a time, stirring often.
• Cook for about 18–20 minutes, until the rice is creamy and al dente.

Finish the dish

• Add the cooked seafood to the risotto.
• Stir in 1 tbsp butter and the Parmesan cheese.
• Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest (optional).
• Rest the risotto for 1 minute off heat.

Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve immediately while creamy.

Small Notes :

• Always use hot broth for the best texture.
• Stir often but not constantly — too much stirring makes it gluey.
• Add seafood at the end to avoid overcooking.
• Serve immediately: risotto waits for no one!