Spanish Types of Shellfish | ForeverBarcelona

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Razor Clams: one of the Spanish Types of Shellfish | ForeverBarcelona

Spanish Seafood You Must Try (Awesome Tapas Ideas)

BEST SHELLFISH AND SEAFOOD TAPAS DISHES

Eating shellfish types of tapas can be really adventurous if you don’t know what you are ordering. And the truth is that in Barcelona the best marisquerías  and seafood restaurants offer a large variety of Spanish seafood that you absolutely should try.

When I walk my guests around the Boqueria Market, they are always amazed at how many different shellfish types do they sell, and they often mention they would be lost if they tried to order them. That’s why today we’ve created this easy guide of Spanish seafood so you can order safely next time you go to your favorite tapas bar.

These are our recommended Spanish sea food tapas:​

1

Razor clams​

In Spanish “navajas“, in Catalan “navalles“. Their shells are thin and fragile, and they can measure up to 23cm, although the most common size is 12 and 15cm (around 5 inches). These long and narrow clams, together with cockles, are some of the favorite canned Spanish seafood to order during the vermouth time. If you prefer them fresh, they are best grilled or sautée.

2

Spanish mussels​

Probably one of the most famous types of Spanish seafood. While French mussels are yellowish, Spanish ones tend to be orange (the color actually depends on the kind of algae they eat). The best way to taste all their flavor is eating them steamed.

But don’t hesitate to try them if instead you are offered them cooked “a la marinera“: a light sauce made basically with onion, garlic, white wine, tomato and parsley. Yum!

3

Tellins​

Called “coquinas” in Spanish and “tellines” or “tellerines” in Catalan. You’ll recognize them for being small, flat and with a smooth surface. They are very common in the South of Catalonia, where they are protected inside the Delta de l’Ebre Natural Park. Order them sautée with chopped garlic and parsley, and pair them with a glass of white wine.

4

Clams​

Almejas” in Spanish or “cloïsses” in Catalan. They are a bit bigger than cockles, and their shell is less curved and less rough. They can be served in many ways, but again the most popular one is “a la marinera“. They are common ingredients of paella and other Spanish seafood dish specialties.

5

Cockles​

Known as “berberechos” in Spanish and “escopinyes” in Catalan. They are served canned without the shell in bars as an aperitif, sprinkled with lemon, red pepper and/or vinegar sauce. In seafood restaurants they are served with their shell, steamed or sautée.

AND BONUS! Are you curious to know what’s the weirdest types of tapas with shellfish in Spain?​

6

Barnacles​

Would you ever have thought we ate them? Of course we don’t eat those that grow under boats, but the wild ones growing on the rocks of the Atlantic coast where the waves crash. Catching them is actually dangerous and you need to be licensed to do it, that’s why their price is similar to that of lobster (sometimes even higher). 

It is served boiled and you need to crack them to remove the skin and eat the inside, which has a delicate seawater flavor. In Spain they are called “percebes“.

What’s your favorite type of Spanish seafood?​

Marta

Author Marta Laurent Veciana

AUTHOR BIO

Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.

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