I am a huge fan of chorizo. It makes me super nostalgic and reminds me of being in Spain drinking sangria and eating tapas. This recipe uses those memories as inspiration, almost as a riff on paella without being paella. It uses the same type of rice and flavor profiles just with less seafood, but more types of seafoods or meats can absolutely be added.
This whole dish can be prepared in one pan and comes together in 35 minutes. It’s an awesome last minute dinner idea or a quick, easy dish to make in a pinch.
The garlic aioli is really the finishing touch that sends this over the edge. I highly recommend you serve the rice with a healthy dose of it.


Chorizo & Shrimp Saffron Rice
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Calasparra or Arborio
- 3 Cup Chicken Stock
- 8 Oz. Shrimp
- 4 Oz. Chorizo
- 4 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Shallot minced
- 4 Garlic Cloves minced
- Pinch of Saffron
- 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1/2 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Pepper
Garlic Aioli
- 1/4 Cup Mayo
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 Garlic Clove grated
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Pepper
Instructions
- In a medium frying pan over medium-low heat add 2 tbsp of the olive oil, the shallot and garlic. Cook until translucent, then add the chorizo and shrimp.
- Once the chorizo and shrimp are cooked transfer to a medium-size mixing bowl and set aside.
- Next, add the remaining olive oil and rice the the same pan used to cook the chorizo and shrimp. Toast the rice over medium-low heat until golden. Then add the chicken stock and saffron. Cover and cook for 15 mins. After the 15 min, take the cover off and stir until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is aldente.
- Add the chorizo, shrimp, shallots, and garlic back in to the rice. Then add the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Mix everything until combined.
- Serve with a drizzle of garlic aioli and enjoy!
Garlic Aioli
- Mix all ingredients together until combined.