Spicy Baked Mussels Stuffed with Cheese Sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Prepare Mussels:
   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the mussels and cover. Steam for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
   • Remove the mussels from their shells, leaving them in the half shells. Place the mussel meat back into the shells and set aside.
3. Make Cheese Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
   • Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Prepare Spicy Mixture:
   • Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped red chilli, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Make Ginger Soy Glaze:
   • In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
   • Stir occasionally and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the cornstarch mixture and continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. Assemble and Bake:
   • Spoon a little of the spicy mixture onto each mussel.
   • Top each mussel with a generous amount of cheese sauce.
   • Place the mussels on a baking tray.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbling and golden brown.
8. Drizzle and Serve:
   • Drizzle the ginger soy glaze over the baked mussels with cheese sauce just before serving.