Authentic Spanish Seafood Recipes You’ll Crave Again and Again

By Edu Valor / Author - Spanish Chef

Fishing is big business in my country—and it’s one of the many reasons you’ll find such a rich variety of Spanish seafood recipes.

From succulent roasted sardines on the beach (like espetos in Málaga) to elegant, restaurant-worthy dishes like bacalao al pil pil, seafood is simply part of our lifestyle.

In my family, seafood was on the table at least twice a week. If it wasn’t seafood paella, it might be fried hake, grilled sardines, crispy mackerel, boquerones (anchovies), calamares, or gambas a la plancha (grilled shrimp). The list is long—and mouthwatering.

Delicious monkfish brochettes with cocktail sauce.

There are endless ways to prepare seafood in Spain, and I can just picture a full table surrounded by friends and family.

Spain’s long coastline and strong fishing culture give us access to an impressive range of fresh fish and shellfish. You’ll see it at nearly every mercado—vibrant indoor markets where multiple fishmongers proudly display the day's catch.

Seafood is more than food here—it’s cultural. Regions like Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, and Cádiz are famous for their fishing ports and time-honored recipes.

Spain is one of the largest fishing nations in the European Union. Our fleet ranges from small coastal boats to large vessels operating in international waters. Over the years, we’ve preserved traditional dishes while embracing modern culinary trends.

You’ll find classics like:

• Pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus)
• Pescadito frito (Andalusian-style fried fish)
• Bacalao al pil pil (salt cod in garlic emulsion)

Want to taste it all? Seafood festivals and local markets are the perfect places to explore regional favorites—often at friendly prices. Or tuck into a cozy seaside restaurant where chefs keep the flame of tradition alive.

The Casa de la Moneda restaurant in Seville is set in a historical building.

Where to Begin With Spanish Seafood?

With so much to choose from, start with how you like your seafood: Broiled? Fried? In a stew, or cold with vinaigrette?

Some of the most popular fish in Spain include:

• Merluza (hake)
• Bacalao (cod)
• Dorada (gilt-head bream)
• Lubina (sea bass)
• Sardinas (sardines)
• Caballa (mackerel)
• Atún (tuna)
• Boquerones (anchovies)
• Trucha (trout)

And then there’s shellfish: clams, mussels, prawns, shrimp, langoustines, squid, and octopus.

Shrimp in Jerez sauce (gambas al Jerez)

Personally, I love broiled or fried fish with roasted vegetables or ensaladilla rusa. It’s refreshing, simple, and perfect for warm days. Add some calamares or grilled prawns, and you've got a feast worth sharing (or not!).

Hearty Spanish Seafood Stews & Soups

For something warm and comforting, try these iconic dishes:

• Merluza a la vasca (or a la koxkera) – Hake with asparagus, peas, and clams in a white wine sauce
• Marmitako – A Basque tuna and potato stew, traditionally eaten by fishermen at sea
• Zarzuela de mariscos – A luxurious seafood medley with shrimp, squid, clams, and sometimes lobster

Zarzuela is more like a refined seafood soup than a rustic stew—rich, aromatic, and perfect with crusty bread.

A rich, appetizing lobster paella (paella de bogavante) simmering on a gas burner.

Seafood Paella: A Dish to Lift Your Spirits

If you can’t decide what seafood to try first, I have one word for you: paella.

Specifically, paella de mariscos (shellfish paella). It brings together several types of seafood in one stunning dish. It’s not quite a stew, but it’s every bit as hearty. Plus, it’s festive, flavorful, and even better the next day.

Pair it with a bottle of cava or a crisp white wine, and you’ve got a moment worth savoring.

A Final Word on Spanish Seafood Recipes

The beauty of Spanish seafood recipes is their diversity. Whether you’re into quick pan-fried hake or looking to master a traditional stew, you’ll find something that speaks to your taste and mood.

I hope the recipes below inspire you to cook something new—or rediscover an old favorite.

¡Buen provecho!

Edu's Tasty Seafood Recipes

Fideuà de Mariscos (seafood noodles)

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