Steamed Mussels
Steamed mussels in a fragrant wine and garlic broth with fresh herbs and vegetables, offering a savory and slightly spicy flavor. Perfect for seafood lovers and ideal as an appetizer or light main dish, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of mussels complemented by aromatic seasonings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dry white wine or water ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf, crushed ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 3 pounds mussels, scrubbed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Scrub or debeard the mussels just before cooking to ensure freshness.
- In a large pot, combine white wine or water, chopped garlic, chopped onion, tarragon, ground pepper, crushed bay leaf, sliced mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the cleaned mussels to the boiling liquid, cover the pot, and steam until the mussels open, about 5-7 minutes.
- Discard any mussels that do not open.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cooked mussels and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a splash of lemon juice or some diced bell peppers in the broth. If you prefer a milder taste, substitute the red pepper flakes with sweet paprika. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can also be great alternatives to tarragon. Ensure mussels are fresh and discard any that are cracked before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the steamed mussels with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. A side salad or some garlic butter pasta pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Mediterranean recipes like Mediterranean Shrimp With Linguine for a delightful seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover steamed mussels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently steam them again over low heat until warmed through, taking care not to overcook. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the mussels tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Steamed Mussels contains roughly 1499 calories, with 38g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (128% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1993mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
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. This will help them cook evenly and ensure a better texture. Just remember to check for any shells that remain closed after cooking.
What can I substitute if I don't have white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable broth or water. Adding a splash of lemon juice can help mimic the acidity of wine, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
How do I know when the mussels are cooked properly?
Mussels are cooked properly when their shells have opened. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes of steaming. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking, as they may not be safe to eat.
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).