Discover Fideuá: Spain’s Pasta-Lover’s Take on Paella

If you love Spanish cuisine, chances are you’re already familiar with paella – the iconic rice dish from Valencia that brings together saffron-scented grains, seafood, and a sense of occasion. But have you ever tried fideuá?

This delicious cousin of paella swaps rice for short, thin noodles and has become a beloved speciality along Spain’s eastern coast. In this blog post, we’ll explore the roots of fideuá, how it can be used as a unique twist in traditional rice dishes, and introduce you to our brand-new Fideuá kit, packed with everything you need to recreate this authentic Spanish experience at home. 

What Is Fideuá?
Fideuá (pronounced fee-deh-wah) is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the coastal town of Gandía, near Valencia. Much like paella, it’s cooked in a wide, shallow pan and often features a medley of fresh seafood. But instead of rice, fideuá uses fideos – short, thin noodles similar to vermicelli or broken spaghetti.
According to local lore, fideuá was invented by a chef who ran out of rice while preparing paella aboard a fishing boat. Using noodles as a substitute, he created a dish that quickly gained popularity and is now a staple of Valencian cuisine.

Fideuá vs. Paella: A Delicious Alternative
Fideuá retains all the vibrant flavours and textures of paella – the umami-rich seafood, the smoky paprika, the golden saffron– but offers a distinct texture thanks to its noodle base. It’s ideal for those who want a lighter or slightly different take on the traditional paella, and it also happens to cook a bit faster.
If you're already a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, fideuá is a must-try – especially when paired with a crisp white wine or a chilled glass of Spanish vermouth.

Try It Yourself: Classic Seafood Fideuá Recipe
Want to give it a go yourself?  This tried-and-true recipe is a simple yet flavourful way to get started with fideuá.

Ingredients – serve 4-6 (adjust quantities accordingly):
•    5 tbsp olive oil
•    1 onion, finely chopped
•    3 garlic cloves, minced
•    2 tsp smoked paprika
•    2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
•    350g fideuá pasta (or short vermicelli noodles)
•    650ml hot fish stock (preferably homemade but we have you covered – see below)
•    650g frozen seafood mix (thawed)
•    Good pinch of saffron (optional – but it makes it really special!)
•    Salt & pepper to taste
•    Lemon wedges, to serve
•    Fresh parsley, chopped (optional to serve)

Instructions:
1.    Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic, cooking for another minute.
2.    Heat the stock.  In a separate pan, heat up the fish stock.
3.    Toast the noodles: Stir in the fideuá pasta and let it toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden.  Stir in the paprika.
4.    Add stock: Pour in the hot fish stock and bring to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes until the noodles are nearly tender.
5.    Add seafood and tomatoes: Stir in the seafood mix and and scatter the tomatoes over the top. Cover with tight-fitting foil and cook for another 5 or 6 minutes, or until the seafood is heated through and the noodles have absorbed most of the liquid.
6.    Finish & serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let rest for a few minutes before serving with lemon wedges and parsley on top.
Pro tip: Let the bottom develop a slightly crispy layer – known as socarrat – for an authentic Spanish touch!

Introducing the Iberica Food Fideuá kit
Ready to bring the flavours of the Spanish coast into your kitchen? Our brand-new Fideuá kit is the perfect way to get started.
What’s Inside:
•    ✅ Spanish Fideuá Pasta – imported from Spain for authentic texture
•    ✅ Premium Frozen Seafood Mix – just thaw and cook
•    ✅ Smoked Spanish Paprika– for that essential depth of flavour
•    ✅ Paella Facil de Marisco Broth – a delicious fish stock to give an intense seafood flavour base to your fideuá
As well as the contents of our Fideuá kit we have everything you need to make this dish extra special.  
For a touch of real luxury, try adding saffron to the mix.  Place a good pinch of saffron in a cup and pour 50ml of hot water from a kettle over it.  Then add the saffron and its water to the pan at the same time as you add the seafood mix.
And for a final eye-catching flourish, why not arrange some juicy shell-on whole prawns on top to cook under the foil lid?
Whether you're cooking for friends or indulging in a quiet night of culinary discovery, our Fideuá kit makes it easy to create a restaurant-quality Spanish dish at home.
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Final Thoughts
Fideuá is more than just a paella alternative – it’s a regional gem that showcases the diversity and creativity of Spanish cuisine. Whether you’re new to fideuá or already a fan, this flavourful dish is a must-add to your summer cooking lineup.
Explore the Fideuá kit now on IbericaFood.com and bring the taste of coastal Spain to your table!