Everyone loves the steamed mussels recipe because its taste is considered the most delicious, and it is not very difficult to make. It is ready in just a few minutes and is very beneficial for our bodies as well. People often make it at home because it is also budget-friendly. With simple ingredients, a wonderful and delicious seafood will be ready on your table in a short time.
Nowadays, this recipe is considered one of the best in Mediterranean and modern American cuisine, offering the best broth that is both aromatic and delicious, perfect for everyone.
Anyone can eat it, whether you’re a seafood lover or not; you’ll definitely want to try it once. So, in this blog post, we’ll teach you everything from how to cook mussels in white wine to how to serve them and how to clean them. Believe me, you’ll love it.
Why You’ll Love This Steamed Mussels Recipe
- Once you’ve cleaned the mussels, they’ll be ready in 20 minutes.
- It’s one of the cheapest seafood options, so it’s a good idea.
- It’s easy to prepare without much effort.
- It’s also incredibly beneficial for our health.
- You can customise it to make it spicy and alcohol-free.
Ingredients You Need
- You should have around 3 pounds of clean, skin-on mussels, all beardless.
- Include more than two and a half tablespoons of olive oil or butter.
- Five garlic cloves, finely chopped.
- A teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- One small onion, thinly sliced.
- A half cup of dry white wine.
- Finely chopped fresh parsley.
- One cup of broth (seafood or chicken) can be included.
- Half a teaspoon of red chilli powder flakes.
- A lemon slice.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, if you have bread for serving, please bring it.
How to Clean Mussels the Right Way
How to clean mussels properly. To make a dish that’s even more beautiful than a restaurant dish, you’ll first need to thoroughly clean the muscles beforehand.
1. Rinse with cold water
First of all, take cold water and put the muscles in a big sieve and put them in cold water and shake them well and clean them from inside, only then will they be cleaned properly.
2. Scrub the shells
Scrub the shells. Use a strong brush to remove sand, grit, and other debris. Use your fingers to clean them quickly.
3. Remove the beard
You also need to be careful not to pull the small, delicate threads at the bottom of each shell towards the edge of the hinge very hard, as this requires a lot of force and may injure you.
4. Test mussels by tapping them.
- To determine this, if a muscle is slightly open, tap it from above.
- If it closes immediately, it means it’s alive and healthy.
- If it doesn’t close and remains open, it’s bad, and you can throw it away.
5. After cooking
When you are steaming the muscles, and the mouth of the muscle does not open at that time, then it should be thrown away because it is probably not good.
How to Make Steamed Mussels (Step-by-Step)
In this, I have explained every step as to how you can make a steamed mussels recipe. Please make it at home as per them.
Step 1: Build the flavour base
First of all, you will have to take a big and deep vessel and put it on the fire on a medium flame. Then, if olive oil is not available, you can also use butter. After it gets heated well, add garlic and onion to the vessel and fry them for at least 3 to 4 minutes till they become soft and start giving out aroma. It is important to do this. You also have to remember that it should not be allowed to turn brown at all.
Season with:
- Aromatic Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes
These ingredients make the broth more flavorful and aromatic, a delight everyone enjoys.
Step 2: Pour in the liquids
Add in:
- Use white wine for acidity and a rich aroma.
- Use broth for thickness.
Bring all these ingredients to a boil over low heat.
You’ll notice that as you bring it to a boil, a wonderful aroma will begin to waft throughout your kitchen.
Step 3: Add the mussels
In the third step, increase the heat to medium, which will cook it better.
Place the mussels in another pot and stir well into the aromatic broth.
Step 4: Steam
In the fourth step, keep the lid of the pot tightly closed so it doesn’t open.
Steam thoroughly for at least 6 or 7 minutes, and be sure to shake the pot occasionally.
- You’ll notice that the mussels will open on their own once they’re cooked.
- Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery.
When the mussels are cooked thoroughly, they will open on their own. This means they’re cooked well.
Step 5: Now get to serving
Turn off the heat.
Be sure to stir in the freshly chopped parsley.
Now it’s time to taste the broth. Adjust the seasoning, salt, and pepper. If everything is okay,
Now serve immediately.
- Take lemon slices and crusty bread.
- And be sure to add extra broth to each bowl.
What to Serve with Steamed Mussels
- Serve it with garlic bread.
- You can also add more saffron to lemon rice.
- Creamy pasta would also be good.
- A glass of chilled white wine would be ideal.
Recipe Variations You’ll Love
1. Spicy Mussels
Those who like spicy food should add extra chilli pieces; otherwise, we can also add green chillies instead, which will make the food more enjoyable.
2. Creamy Mussels
Remember to add these ingredients when steaming it.
- Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream, if available.
- If you don’t have it, you can add two tablespoons of crème fraîche.
3. Version Without Wine
You can substitute the following for wine:
- You can add a teaspoon of lemon juice.
- You can also add a little apple cider vinegar, which is also good.
How to Keep and Reheat
Learn how to store the muscles you've built.
- First, put them in broth.
- And keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days.
How to reheat mussels:
Do not try to microwave them.
Simmer them on the stovetop and slowly heat them in the broth for 3 to 4 minutes.
Freezing
We know that cooked mussels can be easily frozen for up to two months, but their texture can soften a bit, so use your own judgment.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mussels Every Time
- Use a large pot to prepare it, which is best.
- Remember to keep the lid tightly closed when steaming.
- Always cook live mussels, which are fresh and healthy; avoid dead ones.
- Serve them immediately after cooking, as this will enhance the flavour.
Final Thoughts
I am telling you again that making steamed mussels recipe is very easy, it is one of the best tasting dishes made in a pinch, so everyone should try this easy steamed mussels recipe once in a while because it tastes better at home than the restaurant ones, so if you also want to make garlic butter mussels then definitely try this dish, especially make this dish with your family, the whole family will be happy with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you overcook mussels?
Yes, if you wish, you can cook the mussels longer, but you have to keep one thing in mind that if you cook them too much, they shrink and if you eat them, it will take more effort to chew them and their taste also reduces considerably from inside, hence you should cook the mussels well for 2 to 5 minutes or 6 minutes, otherwise they get cooked on their own due to the heat inside.
How long do you steam mussels for?
Although mussels don’t take long to cook, you should still allow 5 to 6 minutes for steaming. After this, their cells open automatically, meaning they’re cooked, and any that haven’t opened are spoiled.
How long to soak mussels before steaming?
Before steaming mussels, soak them in cold water for 20 minutes. If possible, add a little salt to remove any dirt. You can also use your hands to clean them.
Is it better to steam or boil mussels?
People often ask whether boiling or steaming mussels is necessary to cook them. The answer is that steaming is best. This preserves their flavour, and boiling makes them tough. Therefore, steaming is recommended, which allows the mussel cells to open automatically and enhances their flavour.
Why did Anthony Bourdain say not to eat mussels?
Anthony Bourdain said this because some restaurants leave mussels soaked in water for a long time, which can lead to the accumulation of various types of dirt and bacteria. He said that eating mussels that are not fresh can cause food poisoning. Therefore, he advised against eating mussels. Therefore, it is better to eat them in a better place.
Bicky is the founder and recipe creator of FoodViebs, a food blog dedicated to sharing simple, delicious, and home-style recipes. With a strong passion for cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, Bicky creates easy-to-follow recipes using everyday ingredients that anyone can cook with confidence.
Every recipe on FoodViebs is personally tested and written with clear, step-by-step instructions to help home cooks achieve perfect results. Bicky believes that homemade food is healthier, tastier, and brings families closer together.
Through FoodViebs, Bicky aims to inspire people to enjoy cooking, explore new flavours, and prepare restaurant-style dishes at home with ease.
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