How to make Arroz de Marisco

Why cooks start here

Arroz de Marisco is cooked the way the coast around Vila Franca de Xira cooks it — good olive oil used without counting, salt judged by hand, and no fuss about the plate. This is the home version, written down the way a Portuguese family cook actually puts it on the table.

Arroz de Marisco is a seafood rice dish that reflects the coastal cooking style of Vila Franca de Xira, where olive oil flows generously and salt is measured by instinct. This home-style version captures the essence of a Portuguese family meal, bringing the sea to your table with a mix of clams, mussels, shrimp, and crab claws. The dish should taste like the ocean, with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the subtle heat of piri-piri chili. The fresh coriander adds a burst of green freshness, while the dry white wine and shellfish broth deepen the flavors, making each bite a rich, savory experience.