Also see: Best Carbon Steel Woks
Some studies have shown that non-stick surfaces or Teflon could contribute to Cancer. We made a list of the 10 best Stainless Steel rice cookers for home use so you can be sure that you family eats delicious and safe rice!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH PAELLA
Paella is not traditionally served with accompanying dishes, its usually a standalone dish. However, if you are hosting a large party where paella is not the main centerpiece, here are some other suggested dishes.
Couve a Mineira: Brazilian-Style Collard Greens
This delicious Brazilian sautéed collard greens dish adds a delicious side of greenery to your paella meal. See recipe here.
Spanish Cucumber Salad
Ensalada de Pepino is a perfect side dish to paella or starter. Its quick to prepare and its light and refreshing compared to the hearty paella. See recipe here.
Fried Plantains - Platanos maduros fritos
This is a must have side dish for many Spanish meals, it offers a delicious sweet pairing to your paella. Get recipe here
Vanilla Flan
Flan is the perfect light ended to a luscious and hearty meal of paella! Find the recipe here.
Pan con Tomato
A traditional Spanish dish from Catalonia, its a humble and delicious tapa that enjoyed everywhere throughout Spain. Get the recipe here.
Sangria
The real quandary here isn't whether or not to serve Sangria (duh!) but trying to narrow down what flavor of Sangria to serve. Peach, Strong, or Fruity? No worries, here's a collection of various Sangria recipes.
Marinated Spanish Olives
These olives are a typical bar tapa in Spain, they are easy to make and pair great with any paella dish. Find recipe here.
Steamed clams in Spanish cider sofrito
This is a super easy and light recipe that is paired with Spanish hard cider. Find recipe here
THE BEST PAELLA PAN
PAELLA PAN | Name | Category | Weight | MEASUREMENTS | ORIGIN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | 2.6 lbs | 19.5 x 19.5 x 1.8 | Spain | ||
2ndBest Overall | Many | From 8" to 36" | Spain | ||
Best Non Stick Paella Pan with Lid | 7 lbs | 19.5 x 15.5 x 4 | United States | ||
Best Ceramic Paella Pan | 4.2 lbs | 14.1 x 14.1 x 2.4 | Italy | ||
Best Enameled Steel Paella Pan | Many | 4 different sizes | Spain |
Best Overall Paella Pan
Garcima's Carbon Steel paella pan is 15 inches in diameter and its out #1 choice for the best overall paella pan. This pan is made in Spain and serves 3-5 people. It measures 19.5 x 19.5 x 1.8 inches and 2.6 pounds.
This authentic polished steel aka acero pulido pan provides even cooking and has the traditional dimpled bottom. This is a heavy duty pan that should last a lifetime, as long as you care for it properly. It's a great pick for a first time paella cook or a seasoned professional!
MegeFesa's Carbon Steel paella pan comes in a plethora of sizes, anywhere from 8 inches to 36 inches. It's easy to clean and compatible with all kinds of cooking techniques and surfaces, including induction cooktops.
It's made in Spain and featured two riveted handles that are ergonomically designed for your comfort. Ideally you should use this pn a gas burner instead of an electric burner.
Best Paella Burner
La Paella's burner fits paella pans up to 22 inches. It features two rings of flame and each flame is moderated by its own knob. The outer ring measures 16 inches while the inner ring is 8.5 inches. This burner is super authentic and made in Spain! The total BTU of this burner is 38,800 and it gives you great control, connecting to a propane tank. It weighs 5.6 pounds and measures 27.2 x 5.5 x 17.5 inches. This trusty little burner gives you even and consistent flame during your paella cooking session. Its our #1 pick for the best paella burner!
Best Non Stick Paella Pan with Lid
Cuisinart's Non-Stick Paella Pan measures 15 inches in diameter and comes in red. It's body is made of steel and it features a non-stick surface which keeps your paella evenly heated. Its easy to clean and feature durable handles that are ergonomically designed. It's safe to use on both the stovetop and in the oven and can be heated up to 400 degrees in the over. (The lid can be heated up to 250 degrees)
This paella pan comes with a lifetime warranty and features a dimpled interior which will give you that perfect crunchy paella crust. The sides are flared and it weighs 7 pounds and measures 19.5 x 15.5 x 4 inches. If you are looking for a solid non-stick paella pan, this is it!
Best Ceramic Paella Pan
Paderno World Cuisine's paella pan is coated with ceramic and measures 14 1/8 inches in diameter. This product is PFOA and PTFE free and is totally non-toxic. Less fat is needed when cooking with ceramic so this ultimately makes you a healthier paella. This pan is created in Italy and is non-stick. The handles are forged and super durable. The flared sides of the pan and its depth make it ideal for paella cooking, the liquid quickly soaks into your rice.
This pan can heat up to 800F which is almost twice the temperature that can be reached by other non-stick paella pans. Paderno World Cuisine's paella pan measures 14.1 x 14.1 x 2.4 inches and weighs in at 4.2 pounds. Its our #1 pick for the best Ceramic paella pan!
Best Enameled Steel Paella Pan
Garcima's Enameled Steel paella pan is available in four different sizes: 13, 14, 16 and 18 inch. It's made in Spain and is rust resistant. This paella pan is easy to clean and can be used on the grill, stovetop or in the oven. The 16 inch pan is perfect for making 4-6 servings and I love that it comes with a recipe guide with 2 recipes and instructions on how to treat your pan with special care.
You can great a great socorrat (caramelized rice crust) with this pan and the best thing about it is that you can clean it easily by just soaking it for 30 minutes to a hour. This is an easy to use, low maintenance paella pan!
Best Stainless Steel Paella Pan
Garcima's Stainless Steel paella pan measures 18 inches in diameter in is totally authentic, its made in Spain. It features pretty gold handles and be used on the grill, stovetop or in the oven. Its perfect for serving groups of 4-6 people. This is a solid, medium sized paella pan which fits perfect over one large burner or two burners that are close to each other. Its made from 18/8 stainless steel, which is of superior quality.
This pan features the traditional dimpled interior and is made of a thin metal so its only meant for paella, not for sautéing. It makes a delicious paella and looks gorgeous on display in your kitchen and is perfect for a housewarming gift. This is a low maintenance paella pan measuring in at 21.8 x 21.8 x 1.8 inches and weighing 3.8 pounds. If you are looking for a stainless steel paella pan, this is the one your should get!
Best Paella Pan for an Induction Cooktop
Serafino Zani's 18/10 Stainless Steel pan comes with a glass cover and will work on your induction stovetop. It measures 12 inches and controls your cooking temp accurately. Thermostatic pots can sense the ideal cooking temperature of your foods and keeps the inner temperature stable. This pan is safe for the environment and saves energy. It seals in the nutrients and flavors of the food and you'll go green as you reduce your carbon emissions into the world.
This pot is easy to clean and you don't have to worry about a fire if you forget to turn off the power (which I frequently do while cooking!) It keeps cooking below the smoke-point of 466 degrees Fahrenheit, thus preventing fumes. This high quality, Italian made pan measures 14.2 x 14.2 x 4.9 inches and weighs 6.4 pounds. If you are looking for the perfect pan for your induction stovetop, this is it!
Best Pata Negra Paella Pan
La Paella 18 inch Pata Negra paella pan is commerical grade. Its constructed from restaurant grade, extra thick carbon steel and is excellent for conducting heat. This pan will prepare servings for 5-8 people and is made in Spain. This is perfect for a restaurant kitchen or for the serious home cook looking for a top notch paella pan. Take special care of this pan to prevent it from rusting but if it develops rust anyways, not to worry, rust cleans easily off this pan with steel wool.
This pan measures 18 x 2 x 18 inches and weighs 6.8 pounds. The width of the pan, including handles, measures 23 inches. This authentic paella pan is produced in the beautiful city of Valencia Spain. This is a heavyweight pan of the utmost quality, featuring heavy gauge steel. For consistent, even cooking, this pan is it, and it will not warp while cooking. If you are looking for a commercial, restaurant grade pan, your search ends here!
Best Individual Paella Pan
Vaella individual paella pans come in a set of 6 and each one measures 10 inches in diameter. These little pans are made in Spain and are constructed from steel. They are a perfect set for the ultimate paella gathering with your friends and family!
Best Paella Pan Stand and Outdoor Pan with Burners
Garcima's complete paella kit comes with a paella pan, burner and stand, everything you need for an outdoor paella dinner! This set is made in Spain. All you'll need to bring to the table is a propane tank and gas regulator. This pan measures 20 inches and is made of carbon steel and the burner fits pans up to 24 inches. This set will easily serve 10-12 people.
This stand collapses so it is easy to store and everything is easy to set up and take apart. The stand is sturdy and stable and the burners tend to run hot so make sure to regulate your temperature during cooking. For everything you need to paella, pick up this set!
Best Paella Pan Cooking Gift Set
Love this cute little gift set from La Paella! It comes with a 14 inch carbon steel pan, paella rice, saffron, smoked paprika and a paella cookbook. It's a gorgeous housewarming or hostess gift and everything in the gift set is from Spain. It all comes shipped to you in a beautiful gift box thats ready to go!
This pan is perfect for making paella for 2-4 people and the cookbook included is: Deliciously Authentic Rice Dishes from Spain's Mediterranean Coast cookbook by Jeff Koehler. Carbon steel aka polished steel is long lasting and is the standard type of pan used for making paella. Make sure to completely dry it after cleaning and finish it off with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from developing rust. Love the pan in this gift set, its easy to use and easy to clean!
Can you use Paella rice for risotto
Yes, here are some more details!
Rice for risottos: Arborio and Carnaroli
Rice for paellas: Bahia, Balilla, Bomba, Senia, and Calasparra
Risotto rice because creamy and saucy, whereas paella rice is sticky yet separate. Paella rice is much more absorbent than risotto rice, and its holds onto its starch much better than risotto rice does, therefore giving it an al dente texture.
So basically paella rice is preferred for paellas but if you are using risotto for your paella, just make sure not to stir it to much or add too much liquid (stock) and you should be fine.
How to Clean a Carbon Steel Paella Pan
If you're using an enamel or stainless steel paella pan, cleaning can be a breeze. This is not the case with the more authentic carbon steel paella pan which needs much more tender loving care.
Carbon steel pans rust easily, so assuming that you have already pre-seasoned your pan properly, here's how to clean your pan properly. First of all, your pan should never go in the dishwasher.
After cooking, fill the pan with hot water and let it sit for a few hours, or overnight.
After the pan has soaked, pour out all the water and hand wash with soap and water. Important: next dry off the pan with a paper towel or regular towel, but whatever you do, do not allow it to sit and air dry by itself.
After you've dried the pan, rub the inner pan all over with veggie oil to seal it and keep the rust from forming.
Here's a great video showing you how to clean the pan.
The Best Paella Cookbooks
La Paella: Deliciously Authentic Rice Dishes from Spain's Mediterranean Coast features 30 delicious paella recipes. These recipes include the authentic and well-known paella valenciana, a variety of vegetarian versions, and luxurious seafood paellas.
This cookbook also digs into explanations of the rice and pans that work best for paella, serving sizes and basics. It is a great first cookbook for paella cooking beginners.
Aroma Housewares Stainless Steel rice cooker can prep 2 to 6 cups of cooked rice This comprehensive recipe book includes 116 recipes and really focuses on the technique behind preparing paella. Important details such as how to make the perfect bottom crush (socarret) and the layering of flavors are covered.
Similar to Japanese sushi, rice is king so special attention is spent in this book on how to create the perfect paella rice.
60 vibrant paellas are featured in this recipe book, some traditional recipes, some author Penelope Casa's creations. Also featured are tapas, over 20 desserts, and broths and sauces. Some recipes include Scallop and Wild Mushroom and Crusted Paella with Pork.
This is a mini paella book just about 30 recipes, they are easy to follow and the ingredients should be easy to find in most grocery stores. Some recipes include Valencian rice with turnips and beans, Seafood paella with chorizo and more
WHAT IS THE BEST PAELLA PAN ALTERNATIVE?
A paella pan is definitely going to make your paella far more authentic and delicious, but in a pinch you can definitely substitute another, more convenient pan in its place. An All-Clad pan could work or any larger, flat-bottomed pan. A saute pan, dutch oven or cast iron skillet can do also.
When searching in your kitchen for the best pan, pick out the heaviest, most shallow and widest pan that you have. You want even heat distribution and a large surface for water evaporation.
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