Best Easy Arroz Negro con Calamar Recipe

Dramatic black rice cooked with squid ink and tender calamari in a seafood broth. This protein-rich, visually stunning family dish brings coastal Mexican sophistication to the table.

Cook 43 min Difficulty NORMAL 364 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • short-grain rice 1.5 cups
  • calamari (cleaned, sliced into rings) 12 oz
  • seafood broth 4 cups
  • yellow onion (finely chopped) 1 pieces
  • red bell pepper (diced) 1 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • squid ink 2 tbsp
  • garlic cloves (minced) 3 pieces
  • sea salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • lemon wedges (for serving) 4 pieces
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 53 g 58%
Protein 18 g 20%
Fat 7 g 17%
Serving size 270g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

  2. 2

    Increase to medium-high heat and add calamari rings. Sear for 2 minutes, stirring, until just opaque, then remove calamari and set aside to avoid overcooking.

  3. 3

    Add rice to the pan and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly for even heat distribution.

  4. 4

    Pour in squid ink and seafood broth. Stir well to distribute ink, then season with salt and black pepper.

  5. 5

    Return calamari to the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Let rest 5 minutes off heat before fluffing. Serve with lemon wedges.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Squid ink is the defining ingredient in Arroz Negro con Calamar, providing the unique color and deep umami flavor, while calamari adds tender bite and protein. Together, they create the dish's signature coastal sophistication.
Q. What cooking techniques prevent chewy calamari?
To ensure tender calamari, sear the rings briefly over medium-high heat for just 2 minutes, then remove them before simmering the rice. Reintroducing the calamari during the last simmer avoids overcooking and keeps the texture delicate.
Q. How can I avoid mushy rice in Arroz Negro?
Proper heat control is crucial: toast the rice before adding liquid, simmer gently on low heat, and avoid over-stirring once the broth is in. Letting the cooked dish rest for 5 minutes off heat helps moisture redistribute for perfectly plump grains.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 364 kcal, with 18g protein (20% of calories) and 53g carbohydrates (58% of calories). This makes the dish both visually appealing and protein-rich, aligning with family-style coastal recipes.
AI 채팅 아이콘