Black Rice with Cuttlefish (Arroz Negro) — A Dramatic Seafood Masterpiece at Taperia La Mina
Our Black Rice with Cuttlefish (Arroz Negro) is one of the most visually dramatic and flavorful dishes in all of Spanish cuisine. The rice is cooked in cuttlefish ink, which transforms it into a stunning jet-black color while imparting an intense, briny depth of flavor that is unlike anything else. Tender cuttlefish, sweet prawns, and a generous dollop of garlic alioli complete this extraordinary dish from the coastal regions of Valencia and Catalonia.
The Magic of Cuttlefish Ink
Cuttlefish ink — the same substance the animal uses to evade predators — is one of the most prized ingredients in Mediterranean cooking. It has a deep, complex flavor that is simultaneously briny, slightly sweet, and intensely savory, with umami notes that rival the finest soy sauce or fish sauce. When stirred into rice, it transforms every grain into a glistening, black jewel. At Taperia La Mina, we use fresh cuttlefish ink, extracted from the cuttlefish we prepare in-house, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
Arroz Negro Along the Mediterranean Coast
This dish is a staple of the coastal regions of Valencia, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands, where cuttlefish is abundant and rice cooking is a way of life. In the fishing villages of the Costa Brava and the ports of Valencia, arroz negro is the dish that families gather around on Sundays. At Taperia La Mina, we bring this coastal tradition to Benidorm, where the dramatic black rice never fails to draw gasps of admiration when it arrives at the table.
Serving and Pairing Arroz Negro
Our arroz negro is served in the paella pan, with a generous swirl of homemade garlic alioli on top. The alioli — a creamy emulsion of garlic and olive oil — provides a rich, pungent contrast to the intense, briny rice. Pair with a glass of sparkling cava or a crisp white wine. For a complete rice experience, try alongside our Seafood Paella and Fish Broth Rice. Experience dramatic Mediterranean cuisine at Taperia La Mina.