Hot Pepper Steamed Mussels

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Seafood

Spicy steamed mussels infused with fresh ginger, garlic, and chillies, served with a tangy lemon garnish—perfect for seafood lovers seeking bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. fresh mussels
  • 3 tbsp. oil
  • 2 large onions
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 3 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 3 fresh chillies
  • 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
  • 3 tsp. ground coriander
  • pinch chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh coriander leaves
  • lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Scrub mussels and beard them.
  2. Heat oil in a large, deep pan.
  3. Fry onions, garlic, and ginger slowly until onions are golden.
  4. Add chopped chillies, ground turmeric, and ground coriander.
  5. Stir carefully for a few minutes.
  6. Add salt and water, then simmer covered for 5 minutes.
  7. Add mussels, cover, and steam until mussels open.
  8. Remove from heat and add chopped fresh coriander leaves.
  9. Add lemon juice and salt to taste.
  10. Spoon the liquid mixture into mussel shells and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider using jalapeños or serrano peppers instead of the fresh chillies. You can also substitute the fresh coriander with parsley if needed. Ensure that mussels are fresh by discarding any that are open before cooking. To enhance the flavor, adding a splash of white wine during cooking works beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the mussels in a large bowl, garnished with additional fresh coriander and a wedge of lemon for squeezing over. Pair them with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth, or serve alongside a refreshing Shrimp Salad(A Creole Recipe) for a delightful seafood meal. A crisp white wine complements this dish nicely.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover mussels should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a day for the best quality. To reheat, gently steam them over low heat or microwave briefly, ensuring they are heated through but not overcooked, as this can make them rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hot Pepper Steamed Mussels contains roughly 2211 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 230g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 561mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

2211 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.6g 13% DV
Total Fat 230.2g 100% DV
Carbs 41.5g 15% DV
Fiber 9.5g 34% DV
Sugar 2.7g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 561mg 24% DV
Potassium 1076.8mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 254.2mcg 28% DV
Vitamin C 20.8mg 23% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 114.3mg 9% DV
Iron 11.5mg 64% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen mussels for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen mussels, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Rinse them well to remove any ice or frost. Remember that frozen mussels may need a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are heated through and properly opened.

What can I serve with steamed mussels?

Steamed mussels pair well with various sides, such as a light salad or garlic bread. Consider serving them with a refreshing bowl of Bergen Fish Soup(Bergens Fiskesuppe) for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple pasta dish also complements mussels beautifully.

How do I know if mussels are fresh?

Fresh mussels should be closed tightly. If any are open, tap them gently; if they close, they are still good. Discard any that remain open, as this indicates they are dead. Additionally, they should have a fresh, briny smell, not a strong or fishy odor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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