Do you love to eat seafood but are looking for some new ideas in the kitchen? Mussels are a delicious shellfish that make a fantastic, healthy meal. You may think of mussel meat as unusual or difficult to cook with, but it’s actually quite easy—all you need is some fresh ingredients and a little bit of creativity! In this blog post we’ll explore creative ways to prepare mussel meat, so get ready to explore unique flavors and treat your tastebuds to something special. So let’s dive right in and discover how easy it can be cooking up amazing meals with mussels!
Why do We Love Mussels?
Mussels are an incredibly versatile and nutritious seafood option. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, B12, Iron, Zinc, Selenium, and Manganese. Additionally, mussels contain healthy Omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Plus, their sweet taste makes them a delicious addition to any meal! Mussels are also widely available at grocery stores and markets so you can enjoy them year-round. If sustainably sourced from clean waters, they are a fantastic way to incorporate more seafood into your diet without the worry of overfishing or environmental damage. Whether simply steamed in white wine sauce or added to a hearty stew – let mussels be your go-to seafood for any recipe!
How to Cook Mussels?
Preparation
Start by removing any beards and then boiling or steaming the mussels (depending on the recipe). If boiling, add the mussels to a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes or until they open their shells, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once opened, remove them from the liquid and set aside. If steaming, use a large pot with half an inch of water and place over medium heat. Add the mussels when it comes to a boil and cover with a lid. Steam for about 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked, stirring once halfway through.
Should I Cook Mussels with or without shells?
It is best to cook mussels with their shells for optimal flavor and to prevent them from drying out. The natural juices released from the shell will add a depth of flavor that you can’t get any other way. Plus, the shells help protect the delicate flesh from becoming overcooked or mushy. To ensure even cooking, stir occasionally while boiling or steaming so all of the mussels are exposed to heat. If you are baking them, serve in shells, as this will help keep the texture and moisture intact.
Classics: Mussels in White Wine with Garlic
This classic recipe for mussels in white wine and garlic is the perfect combination of rich flavors and tender texture. The briny, sweet flavor of the mussels will transform any meal into a luxurious dining experience.
Classic: Mussels in white wine and garlic
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch Oven
- 1 Slotted Spoon
- 1 Ladle or Serving Spoon
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 pounds mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Rinse the mussels under cold water and remove any beards by pulling them away from the shells.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and minced garlic and sauté until the garlic is fragrant and beginning to turn golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the white wine to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Add the mussels to the pot, cover with a lid, and steam until the mussels have opened, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
- Add the parsley, lemon juice (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
- Remove the mussels from the pot with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.
- Plate the cooked mussels alongside or serve with your favorite sides like crusty bread or creamy curry sauce.
Spicy: Grilled mussels with Herb Butter
In our recent article Grilled Steak With Herb Butter we told you how to make your own herb butter. Here we offer you to try grilled mussels with garlic and spicy herb butter.
Grilled mussels with Herb Butter
Equipment
- 1 Gas or Charcoal Grill
- 1 Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds mussels, with shells
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 dash salt and pepper
- ¼ cup lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a medium-high (400 F to 475 F) gas or charcoal grill.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Place the mussels in a single layer on the grill and brush with the garlic and herb butter. Grill for 3-4 minutes, until the mussels have opened and are cooked through. Discard any mussels that do not open.
- Season the grilled mussels with salt and pepper and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Italian Style: Mussels with tomato and basil
Mussels with tomato and basil is an easy yet flavorful seafood dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. To complement the acidity of the tomatoes and the herby notes from the basil, consider serving it over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. For a lighter side, you can pair it with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
Mussels with tomato and basil
Ingredients
- 2 pounds mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup cup chicken broth or seafood stock (for a little extra liquid)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- ½ cup white wine
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 dash salt and pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Rinse the mussels under cold running water and remove any beards or debris.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, white wine, and basil to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add a cup of chicken broth or seafood stock for a little extra liquid.
- Add the mussels to the pot, cover with the lid, and cook until the mussels are opened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Optional: You can also add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the tomato and basil mixture for a little heat.
- Serve the mussels in bowls
How do You Eat Cooked Mussels?
Cooked mussel meat can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Depending on the recipe, you could simply scoop the mussel meat out with a spoon or use a fork to pull it from the shell. For an elegant presentation, use small forks to remove the meat and serve alongside your favorite side dishes. Or, mix cooked mussel meat into salads, pastas and casseroles for an added boost of nutrition and flavor. Additionally, you can chop up mussels to create flavorful sauces or broths that pair well with rice or other grains.
If you’re familiar with French culture, then you may know that not all of them use the two-pronged pincer method when eating mussels. To start off on your delicious seafood journey, pick up a mussel and carefully open it using just your hands. Then use your teeth to pluck out the succulent meat inside – once you’ve finished one keep going until every single mussel has been devoured!