Easy Spanish Summer Recipes: Grilled Prawns and Red Rice 2026

These Spanish summer recipes feature grilled prawns, red rice, and boozy baked peaches—a vibrant seafood feast inspired by coastal Spain. Thomasina Miers shares her easy version of a classic arroz dish, perfect for home cooks.

Why These Spanish Summer Recipes Stand Out

The combination of smoky grilled prawns, rich tomato-infused red rice, and creamy allioli creates a balanced meal. The baked peaches with cold custard offer a refreshing finish, making this a complete summer menu.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

Grilled prawns provide a sweet, charred taste. The red rice, cooked with saffron and chipotle, absorbs the seafood umami. Allioli—a garlicky mayonnaise—adds richness. The roasted peaches are macerated in sherry or brandy for a boozy kick.

Grilled Prawns with Red Rice and Allioli: Step-by-Step

Start by blackening tomatoes, chilli, and red pepper over high heat. Blend until smooth. In a large paella pan, sauté whole garlic cloves in olive oil, then add the prawns. Cook until pink, reserve. Sauté onion and fennel, stir in the tomato puree, saffron, and rice. Add stock, simmer until tender. Stir in peas and return prawns. Serve with allioli (mayonnaise mixed with the reserved chipotle and vinegar).

Comparison: Red Rice vs. Traditional Paella Rice

Key Takeaways for Making This Spanish Summer Recipe

• Use very ripe tomatoes for maximum sweetness.
• Leave prawn heads and shells on for deeper flavor.
• Toast saffron threads before adding to release aroma.
• Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
• Serve with fresh herbs like chives or parsley.

Boozy Baked Peaches with Cold Custard

Halve peaches, remove pits. Place in a baking dish, drizzle with sherry or brandy, and sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes until soft. Serve with cold custard or vanilla ice cream. This dessert perfectly balances the savory main course.

FAQ

These Spanish summer recipes bring the taste of the Mediterranean coast to your kitchen. Simple ingredients and bold flavors make them perfect for warm-weather entertaining.