How to Cook Mussels

If you’re a seafood enthusiast, you’re likely no stranger to the exquisite taste of mussels. These tender, briny shellfish are a culinary delight that can transform any meal into a gourmet experience. But do you know how to cook mussels?

Steamed mussels: Imagine how a few minutes of steaming can bring such a delightful treat and a good base for other dishes.

From busy weeknight dinners to elegant parties, serving mussels adds a touch of coastal charm to your table. Allow us to walk you through the steps of cooking mussels, exploring classic recipes and offering tips on selecting, cleaning and storing these delectable molluscs.

What’s a Classic Way to Cook Mussels?

With their natural sweetness and delicate texture, mussels are best enjoyed when cooked simply to let their flavours shine. 

One of the classic and most beloved ways to cook mussels is by steaming them in a fragrant white wine and garlic sauce. This dish not only highlights the inherent taste of mussels but also creates a delectable broth that goes best with crusty bread.

Want the best in terms of flavour and condition? Black mussels from South Australia and Tasmania should be top-of-mind.

Mussels with garlic white wine sauce

With the mussels steamed to perfection in a delicious sauce, this dish is ready to take centre stage at your dinner table. We have more recipes to share, but before we move on, let’s talk about the proper ways to choose, store and clean your mussels.

If you prefer a strong flavour, go with New Zealand green mussels.

How to Choose Mussels

The key to a successful mussel dish lies in selecting the freshest and highest-quality mussels. When you’re at the seafood counter or market, keep these pointers in mind to ensure you’re bringing home the best catch. Better yet, order online from trusted sources like Manettas. These seafood delivery services guarantee a fresh catch every time.

• Opt for mussels that are tightly closed.
• Give them a whiff—they should smell fresh and of the sea, not overly fishy or unpleasant. This indicates that they are alive and fresh.
• Avoid mussels with cracked or broken shells.
• Choose mussels that feel heavy for their size. Heavier mussels are likely to be plump and full of meat.
• If you’re buying mussels from a seafood counter, ask when the mussels were harvested to ensure they’re as fresh as possible.

How to Store Mussels

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness and quality of your mussels, whether they’re awaiting their turn to be cooked or if you have some leftovers from a previous meal.

Storing fresh mussels

Mussels need to breathe, so avoid storing them in an airtight container. If you plan to cook the mussels within a day or two of purchasing them, follow these simple steps to store them correctly:

1. Place the mussels in a large bowl.
2. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or paper towels.
3. Store the bowl in the refrigerator.

Storing cooked mussels

If you have cooked mussels that you’d like to store, remove the shells from the meat to prevent them from becoming overly soft or rubbery. Place the cooked mussel meat in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.

These plump, New Zealand mussel meat deliver a sweet, tender taste.

How to Clean Mussels

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to clean them properly to remove any sand, debris or barnacles that might be clinging to their shells. Remember that cleaned mussels are the foundation to a flavoursome seafood dish. Follow these steps to ensure your mussels are clean and ready for cooking:

1. Rinse – Place the mussels in a giant bowl of cold water. Swirl them around with your hands, allowing the water to wash away any dirt or sand.
2. Remove beards – Mussels often have a ‘beard’ sticking out from between the shells. Hold the mussel firmly and pull the beard down towards the hinge of the shell. Give it a firm yank to remove it.
3. Rinse again – Finally, rinse all the mussels again to ensure they are thoroughly clean.

Other Mouthwatering Mussel Recipes

Beyond the classic garlic white wine sauce, there’s a world of exciting mussel recipes waiting to be explored. Here’s a glimpse of a few mouthwatering options:

Fresh tomato mussels

Enjoy the vibrant and tangy combination of fresh tomatoes and mussels. This blend creates a burst of summer flavours in every bite.

Mussel and vongole spaghetti

How about a scrumptious pasta dish that combines mussels with clams in a fragrant broth? Mussel and vongole spaghetti also has that unmistakable garlic and white wine combo.

Mussels marinières

From an Italian-inspired dish, transport yourself to the French coast with mussels marinières. Here, the mussels are cooked in white wine, shallots and butter, resulting in a delicate and flavourful broth.

Tomato chilli mussels

Here’s a spicy twist on a classic. Spicy and tangy, this recipe adds a kick to your mussels with the heat of chilli and the acidity of tomato sauce. Tomato chilli mussels is super easy to make!

Each of the recipes above offer a unique twist on mussels, allowing you to explore different flavours and culinary techniques. And just in case you have leftovers, they don’t have to go to waste. 

What to Do With Leftover Mussels

Do you have leftover mussels from yesterday’s dinner and don’t know what to do with them? Here are some delicious and nutritious options:

• Mussel pasta – Create a delectable pasta dish by sautéing the mussels with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, lemon wedges and a touch of red pepper for some heat. Toss this mixture with your favourite pasta for an enticing main course.
• Mussel salad – Craft a refreshing and healthy salad by incorporating the mussels with fresh greens and a zesty vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for that Vitamin C boost.
• Mussel chowder – Transform your mussels into a creamy chowder. Sauté them with diced vegetables and then simmer in a broth of your choice. Add a touch of cream for richness, being mindful of saturated fat content.
• Stir-fried mussels – Give your mussels an Asian twist by stir-frying them with vibrant vegetables and a splash of soy sauce. This quick and flavourful dish can be served over rice or noodles.
• Mussel tapas – Elevate your tapas game by using mussels as a topping for small toasts or crackers. Drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil and some lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
• Mussel risotto – Infuse your risotto with the essence of mussels. Stir them into the rice during the final stages of cooking, adding depth and flavour to the dish.
• Mussel pizza – Get creative by using mussels as a pizza topping. Combine them with other complementary ingredients and bake to perfection.

Mussels are a culinary wonder that invites creativity, from their tender meat to the flavourful broths they create. Whether you’re preparing a delightful dinner party spread or a comforting meal for busy weekday evenings, consider adding them to your repertoire. Embrace the simplicity and enjoy the delicious rewards that cooking mussels has to offer!