I can't eat shrimp. Can I substitute scallops or any other fish/shellfish in paella where shrimp would usually be?

Thank you for all the wonderful answers. Greatly appreciated. I think wherever there is shrimp i'll sub it for squid and cook it in a similar fashion. Great answers and great community. Bon Apetit!

My understanding is that paella originated in Valencia, a region where the Moors introduced rice and the classic version is paella valenciana. ChefJune is absolutely right about the bottom crust which is called "socarrat." Unlike risotto it should not be stirred.

Interesting that most Americans think Paella has to have seafood. The reality is that it's a dish where Spaniards use what they've got. Inland, where the dish supposedly originated, it had squirrels, rabbits, and whatever else they caught. NO FISH at all! So you can use whatever you want to make paella. No shrimp? no squirrel? no problem. Customize it to suit yourself, and the people you are making it for.

The consistent thing any Paella needs is that crust of rice on the bottom. Browned but not burned.

Everything has already been suggested! Squid and rabbit with mussels are winning combination... Chorizo and clams or, again, squid. Any chance we can snag an invitation? :)

Mussels, snails, and rabbit are also traditional, and all are good. And of course, Spanish style chorizo. Throw in some green beans or broad beans too.

Scalllops are so good in paella, I use chicen, sausage and scallops its wonderful.

Any white fish would work also if you are uncomfortable skirting the issue with shellfish.

Of course! Paella doesn't even have to have seafood. But if you love seafood, include whatever you do like. Fish, clams, mussels, other crustaceans like crabs or lobsters if you can eat them. Whatever you like and can eat.

You can leave it out all together. If you want to have seafood, scallops will work. Squid is another option.