Although popular in Spain, lobsters are actually imported from the United States, making this Valencian dish appropriate to replicate on American grills. For this take on paella, a single cooked lobster is presented in pieces on top of the seafood stock- and saffron-infused rice. Think of the lobster as an over-the-top garnish—each diner gets a little morsel of the crustacean, so you may want to serve this as a side dish, not the main event.

EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2021

Gallery

Credit: Angie Mosier

Recipe Summary

active:
30 mins
total:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
8
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Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • Preheat a gas grill to medium or build a fire in a charcoal grill and let it burn down to medium heat (about 350°F).

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  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add lobster and cook until bright red, about 5 minutes. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon. When cool enough to handle, separate claws and tail from the lobster body. Set aside.

  • Bring stock to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Cover with a lid and take out to the grill along with the lobster and the remaining ingredients.

  • Heat a 12- to 14-inch paella pan or cast-iron skillet on the grill for 3 minutes. Add oil and onion and cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add tomato, paprika and salt. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add wine and bring to a simmer.

  • Stir in 4 1/2 cups of the warm stock and saffron; cook at a lively simmer, without stirring, for 10 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 cup stock and arrange the lobster pieces around the pan. Cook, without stirring, until the rice is tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Serve garnished with parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

Tip

Track down bomba rice at well-stocked supermarkets or check tienda.com or Amazon. (Medium-grain white rice makes a decent substitute.)

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup rice & 1/2 oz. lobster meat
219 calories; fat 9g; cholesterol 28mg; sodium 487mg; carbohydrates 24g; dietary fiber 1g; protein 9g; sugars 1g; niacin equivalents 4mg; saturated fat 1g; vitamin a iu 629IU; potassium 386mg.
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