Top 10 Spanish Seafood Dishes

Don’t just take my word for it — the proof is in Spain’s delicious seafood cuisine! This country has perfected their techniques to create delectable dishes using fresh, local ingredients. From tapas to flavorful paella, there are recipes for all tastes just waiting to be discovered in Spain’s culture of vibrant food.

Spain’s celebrated cooking techniques create unique flavors that provide an enjoyable experience — no matter if you want a tried-and-true classic or a new taste sensation — get your taste buds ready!

So let’s go now and explore my top 10 Spanish seafood dishes!

1. Gambas al Ajillo

Satisfy your cravings with the savory Spanish sensation called Gambas al Ajillo! This tasty tapa of shrimp sautéed in garlic, lemon juice, and paprika packs an aromatic punch. Garnish it with chopped parsley for extra flavor and don’t forget to add some crusty bread on the side — perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices!

2. Paella de Mariscos

If you’re looking to tantalize your taste buds and take in a little sunshine, Paella de Mariscos is the perfect destination. The incredible combination of saffron-flavored rice, peppers, and tomatoes with succulent seafood — like shrimp, fish, mussels, and clams — has made this one of Spain’s summer staples for centuries!

This stunning dish is prepared over a woodfire that infuses every bite with just enough smokiness that will have everyone licking their plates clean by the end of the meal!

3. Gambas à la Plancha

Get ready for a delicious surprise! For this irresistible Spanish tapa, succulent shrimp are grilled quickly on a hot iron skillet with just the right amount of seasoning. It’s best consumed with a little freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice and cracked black pepper.

Go ahead and enjoy Gambas à la Plancha with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing glass of wine — perfect for any night in or out!

4. Croquetas de Bacalao

Picture yourself in a bustling, family-owned tapas bar in Spain, surrounded by laughter and the clinking of wine glasses. It’s here that you’ll discover the crispy, golden brown croquettes known as Croquetas de Bacalao.

These bite-sized delights, packed with flavorful salted cod mixed with smooth béchamel sauce, are the epitome of Spanish comfort food. Their crunchy exterior and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth interior promise to leave you craving for more!

5. Rabas

Do you love seafood? Then this delicacy from the Cantabrian coast is one tapa you can’t miss! Rabas is made from squid strips or rings lightly battered and breaded before being fried to crispy and delicious perfection… no wonder it’s so popular! Just a pinch of salt and some lemon juice will bring out its unique flavor and have you savoring every bite!

Rabas is a delicacy that’s been around for many centuries and served in various forms — it all comes down to the technique used to prepare the fresh, succulent squid. Dip’em into flour, fry ’em up to perfection — use strips or rings — whatever your preference may be — and savor its lasting crispy yet tender goodness!

It’s the perfect accompaniment to a chilled glass of wine or beer and is available at most establishments in the region. So, why not add some local flavor on your next night out?

6. Mojama

If you haven’t heard of Mojama, then it’s time to broaden your culinary horizons. This tantalizing Spanish delicacy is created through a three-week process that involves curing and wind-drying tuna filets until they reach the perfect reddish-brown hue.

Perfect on its own as an appetizer or snack — it can also be combined with salads, anchovies, bread, and olives to make a complete meal. However, if you are a purist, drizzle a littel oil over it so you can savor all of the tantalizing flavors of Mojama!

7. Bacalao a la Vizcaina

Experience a true Spanish classic with Bacalao a la Vizcaina! This Basque-style cod is packed full of flavor from succulent salt cod fillets and lip-smacking Vizcaina sauce. Red onions, garlic, and choricero pepper purée create an unforgettable taste sensation you won’t want to miss out on!

This dish brings you perfectly cooked fish drenched in a luscious, warm sauce — the traditional way to enjoy Bacalao a la Vizcaina!

8. Angulas

Angulas, the delicacy known as ‘’the caviar of Northern Spain’’ is an exquisite and expensive treat. Eating these baby eels drenched in oil and garlic will make your taste buds go wild! Although some folk don’t believe it’s worth its hefty price tag (1,000 euros per kilo!!) due to a distinct lack of flavor, most foodies would disagree — they say… once you’ve tried Angulas, there is no going back!

The traditional recipe for these baby eels comes from Bilbao with its very own flair! A delicious mix of hot peppers and garlic in olive oil makes Angulas a la Bilbaína an irresistible dish… well… that is if you’re brave enough to try it!

Angulas is served in traditional earthenware bowls with wooden cutlery which are essential to maintaining the delicious flavor. The uniquely designed cutlery makes it easier to get your hands on those slippery little treats!

9. Mejillones Rellenos (Tigres)

Enjoy an unforgettable taste of Bilbao with Tigres — mussels bursting with flavor and a fierce kick! Sautéed onions, flour, chili peppers, and wine imbue these stuffed morsels creating a stellar snack that’s sure to be perfectly satisfying!

From the ocean to your plate, crispy Tigres is a Bilbao specialty! Egg-dipped and breadcrumb-covered delicacies fried up in hot oil, these tasty treats come served with a sizzling anchovy and tomato sauce — perfect for mussel connoisseurs. In typical authentic fashion, don’t forget to discard those empty shells on the ground like the locals after you polish them off!

10. Mejillones a la Vinagreta

If you’re looking for a culinary escape to the beautiful and fragrant Galicia, look no further than Mejillones a la Vinagreta. This classic Spanish dish takes delicious local mussels and serves them chilled in an amazing medley of wine vinegar, olive oil, peppers, onions, and salt — creating layers of flavor that will whisk your taste buds away!

Mejillones a la Vinagreta proves that something tasty can emerge from very little! A pinch of salt and an olive oil-vinegar mix is just the ticket to spice up some plain mussels. The platter gets filled with these flavorful delicacies while onions and bell peppers add more pizzazz and color to this impeccable creation.

This tantalizing dish tastes great after chilling in the fridge for half an hour! Enjoy it with a frosty beer — absolute perfection!

Wrapping it up

When it comes to tantalizing your tongue, Spain has what you are looking for! With its unique and delicious culinary culture that blends traditional dishes like Bacalao a la Vizcaina with modern masterpieces such as Mejillones a la Vinagreta, this country has something for everyone.

Choose from Galicia’s seafood delight or take on one of Bilbao’s fiery Tigres — no matter what you pick (or mix!) it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. So if you’re ready for some truly special tastes — explore all that Spanish cuisine can offer!

¡Buen provecho!

Check out our reviews of other seafood dishes from around the world.