Imagine the crackling of a campfire, the salty breeze of the Pacific Northwest, and the aromatic sizzle of a perfectly cooked seafood paella. Our campfire seafood paella Northwest foods recipe brings together the best of outdoor cooking with the bounty of Pacific Northwest seafood. This isn’t just camping food – it’s an outdoor culinary adventure that transforms your campsite into a Spanish-inspired feast!
As someone who’s spent years perfecting outdoor cooking techniques, I can tell you that there’s something magical about preparing paella over an open flame. The smoke adds a subtle complexity that you simply can’t achieve on a stovetop. Just like our popular Campfire Dutch Oven Salmon, this recipe harnesses the natural flavors of the Pacific Northwest while embracing traditional Spanish cooking methods.
Whether you’re an experienced camp cook or trying outdoor cooking for the first time, this recipe will guide you through creating a memorable meal that celebrates the incredible seafood of the Northwest region.
What is Campfire Seafood Paella Northwest Foods?
Think of this as the beautiful marriage between traditional Spanish paella and the incredible seafood bounty of the Pacific Northwest! This campfire seafood paella Northwest foods recipe takes the classic Spanish rice dish and gives it a regional twist using local ingredients like Dungeness crab, Pacific cod, and wild-caught shrimp. It’s where Spanish tradition meets Northwest abundance around a crackling campfire. And you know what they say: “The best meals are cooked outdoors!” This dish proves that camping food can be both rustic and sophisticated!
Why You’ll Love This Campfire Seafood Paella
This recipe stands out for several compelling reasons:
- Fresh Local Ingredients: Using Pacific Northwest seafood ensures the freshest flavors and supports local fisheries.
- Outdoor Cooking Adventure: Creating restaurant-quality paella over a campfire adds an exciting dimension to your camping experience.
- Impressive Yet Approachable: While the result looks spectacular, the cooking process is straightforward and fun for all skill levels.
How to Make Campfire Seafood Paella
Quick Overview
This one-pan wonder comes together in about 45 minutes of active cooking time. The result is a smoky, flavorful paella featuring the best seafood the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Total time: 1 hour (including prep).
Key Ingredients
- 2 cups Spanish bomba or calasparra rice
- 1 lb Dungeness crab, cleaned and sectioned
- 1 lb Pacific cod fillets, cut into chunks
- 1 lb wild-caught Pacific shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb local mussels, cleaned
- 2 Pacific Northwest onions, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Campfire:
- Build a strong campfire and let it burn down to hot coals
- Position a grill grate securely over the fire
- Maintain consistent heat by adding wood as needed
- Prepare the Base:
- Place your paella pan (or large cast-iron skillet) on the grate
- Heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until soft
- Add bell peppers and cook until slightly charred
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Add rice and toast lightly
- Stir in paprika and saffron
- Add the Liquid:
- Pour in seafood stock
- Bring to a simmer
- Avoid stirring once liquid is added
- Add the Seafood:
- Place cod pieces into the rice
- Add mussels around the edge
- Arrange shrimp and crab sections on top
- Let it Cook:
- Allow to cook undisturbed for 20-25 minutes
- Listen for the characteristic crackling sound of the socarrat forming
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and let rest 5-10 minutes
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs
- Serve directly from the pan
What to Serve Campfire Seafood Paella With
Complete your outdoor feast with:
- Grilled sourdough bread
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Grilled seasonal vegetables
- Fresh lemon wedges
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Campfire Paella
- Fire Management: Maintain consistent heat by arranging coals properly
- Pan Position: Rotate the pan occasionally for even cooking
- Don’t Stir: Let the bottom develop a crispy crust (socarrat)
- Seafood Timing: Add different seafood items at appropriate times to prevent overcooking
- Local Sourcing: Use the freshest Northwest seafood available for best results
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Keep any leftovers in an airtight container
- Refrigerate immediately if camping with cooler access
- Best consumed within 24 hours
- Not recommended for freezing
Reheating:
- Gently reheat in a covered pan over campfire
- Add a splash of stock to prevent drying
- Consume reheated seafood with caution when camping
Remember, this dish is best enjoyed fresh off the fire, surrounded by friends and the beautiful Northwest wilderness!
