Seafood Risotto with Peas

Name: Seafood Risotto with Peas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 4 cups seafood stock; 1 cup white wine; 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen); 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined; 200g scallops; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Experience the creamy delight of Seafood Risotto with Peas, a perfect dish for seafood lovers and a treat for special occasions.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-11T16:14:05.824Z

This Seafood Risotto with Peas combines the rich flavors of fresh seafood with tender Arborio rice, creating a comforting and elegant dish. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it’s sure to impress!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy, rich texture that envelops each grain of rice
Fresh seafood flavors complemented by sweet peas
A restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home
Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy family dinner

      

The Essence of Risotto

Risotto is a classic Italian dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. The key to a perfect risotto lies in the type of rice used—Arborio rice is ideal due to its high starch content, which contributes to the dish's signature creaminess. As the rice cooks, it absorbs the flavors of the broth and other ingredients, creating a harmonious blend that is both comforting and luxurious.

The slow cooking process allows for the gradual release of starches from the rice, resulting in a velvety consistency. This method also ensures that each grain remains al dente, providing a satisfying bite. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or a side dish, risotto is versatile and can be customized with a variety of ingredients.

A Seafood Lover's Delight

This Seafood Risotto with Peas is a true celebration of ocean flavors. The combination of shrimp and scallops not only enhances the dish's taste but also adds a variety of textures. The seafood is lightly cooked to maintain its tenderness, creating a delightful contrast against the creamy risotto. Adding peas introduces a pop of sweetness and a burst of color, making the dish visually appealing.

Using fresh seafood elevates the dish, but frozen options work well too, making it accessible year-round. Each bite captures the essence of the sea, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. Pair it with a crisp white wine to enhance the flavors and complete your dining experience.

Tips for Perfect Risotto

To achieve the best results with your risotto, it’s essential to maintain a steady simmer while cooking. This consistent heat allows the rice to cook evenly without becoming mushy. Stirring frequently not only helps to distribute the heat but also encourages the release of starch, which is crucial for that creamy texture.

Another important tip is to add the stock gradually, allowing each ladle to be absorbed before adding the next. This process requires patience, but it pays off with a richer flavor and perfect consistency. If you find the risotto too thick, feel free to add a splash of stock or water to loosen it up before serving.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Seafood Risotto

1 cup Arborio rice
4 cups seafood stock
1 cup white wine
1 cup fresh peas (or frozen)
200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
200g scallops
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Stock

In a saucepan, heat the seafood stock over low heat. Keep it warm but not boiling.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Toast the Rice

Add the Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring for about 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.

Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white wine, stirring frequently until the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Add the Stock Gradually

Begin adding the warm seafood stock, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Allow each ladle to be absorbed before adding the next. This will take about 20 minutes.

Incorporate the Seafood and Peas

When the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the shrimp, scallops, and peas. Cook for another 5 minutes until the seafood is cooked through.

Finish with Butter and Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve Warm

Serve the risotto warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Seafood Risotto with Peas!

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover risotto, don’t fret! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. When reheating, add a little extra seafood stock or water to revive the creamy texture, as it tends to thicken when chilled.

For those who enjoy meal prepping, risotto can be made ahead of time and stored in portions. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until hot. This way, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal even on your busiest days.

Variations to Try

While this Seafood Risotto with Peas is a delightful choice, the beauty of risotto lies in its versatility. Consider experimenting with different proteins such as crab, lobster, or even a mix of seasonal vegetables for a vegetarian version. Each variation can bring a unique flavor profile to the dish, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.

Spices and herbs can also enhance the dish's complexity. Try adding saffron for a beautiful golden hue or fresh herbs like parsley and basil for a burst of freshness. The possibilities are endless, making risotto a fun and creative dish to prepare.

Pairing Suggestions

When it comes to pairing wine with seafood risotto, a crisp white wine is an excellent choice. Varietals like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the dish's flavors beautifully. The acidity in these wines helps to cut through the richness of the risotto, enhancing the overall dining experience.

For a complete meal, consider serving a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. This will add a refreshing contrast to the creamy risotto and round out your plate nicely. Additionally, a slice of crusty bread can be perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, frozen seafood works well for this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.

→ Can I make this risotto in advance?

Risotto is best served fresh, but you can prepare the base in advance and add the seafood just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for seafood stock?

You can use vegetable or chicken stock as a substitute, but seafood stock enhances the flavor of the dish.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free stock.