In the realm of culinary delights, mussels stand out with their briny essence and tender texture, inviting a symphony of flavors to dance upon their delicate canvases. Whether you prefer a classic white wine sauce, a creamy bisque, a spicy marinara, or a Thai-inspired coconut broth, this article presents a tantalizing array of recipes to elevate your mussel-cooking experience. Prepare to embark on a culinary odyssey as we delve into the world of mussel sauces, transforming these humble bivalves into delectable masterpieces.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
MUSSELS IN LEMON GARLIC-BUTTER SAUCE
Mussels in Lemon Garlic-Butter Sauce makes the perfect appetizer before the main dinner dish and is an elegant dish for entertaining
Provided by Linda Nortje
Categories Appetizers / Snacks
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Melt the Butter in a large skillet (with a lid) - saute the Onion, Garlic and Chili Flakes until soft
- Add the White Wine and simmer until reduced by two thirds - add the Cream and simmer 2 - 3 minutes
- Add the Mussels and cover the skillet - over low heat, steam the Mussels until cooked - about 8 - 10 minutes
- Remove from heat - season to taste with Salt and Black Pepper - stir through the Lemon Juice, finely grated Zest and Parsley
Nutrition Facts : Calories 372 calories, Carbohydrate 12 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 94 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 28 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 8 grams protein, SaturatedFat 18 grams saturated fat, Sodium 294 grams sodium, Sugar 3 grams sugar, TransFat 1 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams unsaturated fat
MUSSELS IN SPICY RED SAUCE
I love this dish, which is often called "Mussels Fra Diavolo", because my Italian Grandmother made it often, especially around the holidays. The lusty combination of mussels and spicy red sauce is irresistible. It's Italian-American comfort food. Forget about serving this with pasta, you absolutely must have a loaf of crusty, chewy Italian or French bread to dip in the sauce. Make sure to put an empty bowl on the table to accommodate the shells. For equipment you will need a large (10 to 12 inch) high sided saute pan (sauteuse) or a 6 to 6 quart pot with a tight fitting lid, a large spoon, and a Chinese wire mesh skimmer or slotted spoon. Red Sauce: I know my red sauce. My credentials: I grew up at the Jersey Shore, I had an Italian grandmother and I worked as a cook at Marenzi Restaurant in North Beach, San Francisco, back in the 1970's. This recipe is one for you to keep. My Napolitano red sauce is a great building block to making all sorts of dishes. It can be used to for a quick pasta dinner or for simmering fresh squash and/or bell peppers and onion. You can also use this red sauce as a base to make a "fra diavolo" with mussels, lobster or other sea food, even with leftovers and serve with rice or pasta. The most important concept in making this sauce is to really brown (caramelize) the onions and carrots, creating a natural sweetness that balances with the acidic tomatoes. For equipment you will need a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot, and a wooden spoon.
Provided by Food Network
Categories appetizer
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper, and saute until fragrant, stirring, about 30 seconds. Add the white wine and tomato sauce, increase the heat to high, cover and bring to a boil.
- Add the mussels and replace the lid. Cook over high heat 3 minutes. Remove the lid and stir once gently. Continue to cook until the mussels are completely open and firmly cooked, about 4 minutes more.
- Remove the pot from the heat and transfer the mussels gently from the pot to a large bowl with a Chinese wire mesh skimmer. Return the pot to the heat and increase the heat to high. Boil for a minute or 2, until the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon. Pour the sauce over the mussels and serve immediately.
- Place the canned tomatoes in a large bowl and place your (clean) hands in the bowl and crush the tomatoes so they breakup into a range of small pieces.
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven heat the olive oil over medium heat until it is fragrant, but before it smokes, about 40 seconds. Add the bay leaves and stir them in the oil until they begin to brown, about 10 seconds. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until it starts to turn golden brown, then add the onions, carrots, and oregano. Cook the vegetables until they are very brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, just enough to prevent them from scorching.
- Add the crushed tomatoes with their juice, the tomato paste, salt and pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of water, (white wine or clam juice can be added depending on the intended use) and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, and simmer, partially covered until the sauce level has reduced by 2 or 3 inches and the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Cook the sauce for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick.
- Remove from heat, cool down in the pot, then when at room temperature, transfer to a sealed plastic container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- This sauce will keep 10 days in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator.
- Using my recipe for basic Red Sauce, you can make a quick and spicy "fra diavolo" sauce that is delicious drizzled over grilled squid and other seafood. For equipment you will need a 3-quart saucepan and a wooden spoon.
- Heat the olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan slightly over medium heat and saute the garlic and crushed red pepper until the garlic is fragrant and beginning to brown, about 40 seconds.
- Add the Red Sauce, clam juice, and salt, to taste, and simmer, stirring occasionally over medium-low heat, until the sauce returns to the thickness and quantity of the Red Sauce, about 15 minutes.
CLASSIC FRENCH MUSSELS
Steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mussels, wine, cream, butter, and parsley and season well with salt. Give it a good stir, cover the pot, and cook until mussels open and are cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Divide the mussels and the juices between 2 bowls and serve with the crusty bread.
SPICY MUSSELS WITH CHINESE SEASONINGS
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories one pot, appetizer
Time 40m
Yield 6 first-course servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Scrub and debeard the mussels.
- Heat oil in a saucepan large enough to hold the mussels with room to spare, or use a large wok. Add the onion, ginger and garlic and saute until tender but not brown. Stir in the five-spice powder, rice wine and vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the mussels, cover and cook over medium heat until the mussels have opened. Transfer the mussels to individual dishes, discarding any that have not opened.
- Stir the sesame oil into the broth and add the chili oil and soy sauce to taste. Pour the broth over the mussels, garnish with scallions and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 351, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 14 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 28 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 658 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams
MUSSELS IN CURRY CREAM SAUCE
Mussels steamed in a curry cream sauce, an easy and delicious recipe, you'll love it!
Provided by Kerry
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes Creamy
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, cook shallots and garlic in simmering wine until translucent.
- Stir in cream and curry powder. When sauce is heated through, add mussels. Cover, and steam mussels for a few minutes, until their shells open wide. With a slotted spoon, transfer steamed mussels to a bowl, leaving the sauce in the pan. Discard any unopened mussels.
- Whisk butter into the cream sauce. Turn heat off, and stir in parsley and green onions. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.5 calories, Carbohydrate 10.7 g, Cholesterol 127.6 mg, Fat 35.5 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 6.4 g, SaturatedFat 22 g, Sodium 172.3 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
MUSSELS IN CREAM SAUCE
Serve these mussels with a frisée salad dressed with red wine vinaigrette. Add french fries, plus a baguette for sopping up the sauce. Lemon tart would be good for dessert. See how to clean mussels.
Categories Milk/Cream Mussel White Wine Winter Parsley Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 2 servings; can be doubled
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add leek; sauté 3 minutes. Add mussels and wine. Cover and simmer until mussels open, about 4 minutes (discard any that do not open). Using slotted spoon, transfer mussels to 2 bowls.
- Stir cream and 2 tablespoons parsley into liquid in pot. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over mussels. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons parsley.
Tips:
- Fresh Mussels: Always use fresh mussels for the best flavor and texture. Look for mussels with tightly closed shells and no cracks or damage.
- Cleaning Mussels: Before cooking, clean the mussels thoroughly by scrubbing them under cold water. Remove any barnacles or seaweed and discard any mussels with open shells.
- Steaming Mussels: Steaming is a classic and simple method for cooking mussels. Place the mussels in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water, cover, and steam until the shells open, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sautéing Mussels: Sautéing mussels in a flavorful sauce is another delicious option. Heat some olive oil or butter in a pan, add the mussels, and cook until the shells open, stirring frequently.
- Choosing the Right Sauce: The sauce you choose for your mussels can greatly enhance their flavor. Consider sauces made with white wine, garlic, butter, herbs, tomatoes, or a combination of these ingredients.
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish your mussels with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives. This adds a pop of color and extra flavor to the dish.
Conclusion:
Mussels are a versatile and delicious seafood that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you steam them, sauté them, or bake them, the key is to choose fresh mussels and cook them until the shells open. With a flavorful sauce and a simple garnish, mussels make a delightful appetizer or main course. Seafood lovers will appreciate the delicate flavor and tender texture of mussels, while home cooks will find them easy to prepare. So next time you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, give mussels a try!
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