How To Cook Mussels?

Easy and healthy mussels

Mussels are salt water molluscs (a type of clam) and are also a popular seafood found in a range of countries across the globe. They have a soft, moist texture and slightly salty taste reminiscent of other seafood but they can be prepared in a variety of ways and can also be eaten as an appetizer or entree – it’s up to you!

Mussels are high in protein and low in fat, not to mention delicious so there is no reason not to try these yummy sea dwellers.

How to Choose Mussels for Cooking

Go to a reputable fishmonger or reliable supermarket fish counter. Make sure that the mussels you pick or you are given are tightly closed, undamaged, and smell fresh. If it is open a little, tap it and see if it closes – this means it is alive and suitable for eating.

How to Clean Mussels

Scrub the mussels with a stiff brush to get rid of dirt, sand, barnacles etc and then cut away the beard. Rinse them but don’t leave them to soak in fresh water as this will kill them and make them unsuitable for eating.

How to Steam Mussels?

1. For 450g mussels, pour 1 or 2 cups of white wine or water into a large saucepan, add the mussels and cover. Cook on a high heat and bring the liquid to the boil.
2. When steam is coming from the sides of the pan, reduce the heat and simmer the mussels until they begin to open. This should take about 5 minutes. During cooking shake the pan a little so that the mussels are redistributed and cook evenly.
3. After several minutes, keep an eye on the mussels and try to remove each mussel as it opens. This can be a tedious task but will be well worth it, as each mussel will be cooked just right.
4. When all the mussels have opened, they can be served in their shell, in a bowl, with the broth strained and then poured over them. Throw away any mussels that have not opened.

Find many mussels recipes on Recipebridge.