Steaming Mussels: Rice Cooker Magic

Mussels are a tasty treat, but can you steam them in a rice cooker? Well, it turns out that mussels are best steamed in a small amount of liquid, and a rice cooker doesn't provide the right conditions for this. So, it's not advisable to use a rice cooker for steaming mussels as they need to be cooked in a specific way to ensure they're safe to eat.

How to store mussels before cooking

Storing mussels before cooking is a delicate process, as they are living creatures and need to breathe. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to store mussels before cooking:

Step 1: Remove from the Bag

Take the mussels out of the plastic bag they came in and place them in a bowl, tray, or mesh bag. If you bought the mussels in bulk, you can store them loose in a bowl or unsealed container.

Step 2: Cover with a Damp Cloth

Place a clean, damp cloth or paper towel over the mussels. This helps them retain moisture while still allowing them to breathe. Do not add water directly to the container, as it can kill the mussels.

Step 3: Store in the Fridge

Put the covered bowl of mussels in the fridge, preferably on the bottom shelf, which is usually the coldest part. Mussels should be stored at a temperature between 32 to 40° F (0-4° C).

Step 4: Drain Daily

Mussels release water naturally, so make sure to drain the bowl of any excess water daily. Also, remove any damaged or spoiled mussels.

Step 5: Cook within a Few Days

Mussels can be stored in the fridge for a few days, but it is recommended to cook them within 1 to 2 days of buying them for the best taste and texture. If you don't plan on cooking them right away, freezing them is an option.

How to prepare mussels for steaming

Preparing mussels for steaming is a simple process, but it requires careful attention to ensure the mussels are fresh and safe to eat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare mussels for steaming:

Storing and Selecting Mussels:

Before preparing mussels for steaming, it is important to store them properly and select only the freshest mussels. Place the mussels in a bowl and cover them loosely with a damp cloth or wet paper towel. Keep them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, and try to cook them on the same day. When selecting mussels, choose those with tightly closed shells that smell fresh and briny. Discard any mussels with cracked shells or those that do not close when tapped gently against a counter or hard surface.

Cleaning and Debearding Mussels:

Before cooking, mussels should be cleaned and debearded. Start by scrubbing the mussels with cool running water and a stiff brush to remove any debris. Then, locate the "beard," which is a group of short, brown strings coming out of the side of the mussel where the two halves of the shell close. Grip these strings with your fingers or tweezers and tug gently from side to side to remove them. Not all mussels will have beards, and it is okay if you do not remove all of the beard; just ensure that most of it is detached from the shell.

Preparing for Steaming:

Once the mussels are cleaned and debearded, they are ready for steaming. Place them in a colander to drain and set aside. Choose a deep pot or Dutch oven that is large enough to accommodate the mussels as they will expand during cooking. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pot and heat it over medium-high heat. You can also add minced shallots and garlic to the pot at this stage for extra flavour, sautéing until they are fragrant and translucent.

Steaming Mussels:

Now, you are ready to steam the mussels. If you chose to sauté shallots and garlic, deglaze the pan by adding some wine and letting it cook off for about 30 seconds to a minute. Then, add your steaming liquid of choice—this can be clam juice, fish stock, seafood stock, chicken stock, vegetable stock, or simply water. Finally, add the mussels to the pot, cover with a lid, and steam for about 4 to 6 minutes. The mussels are cooked when their shells open, and any mussels that remain closed after steaming should be discarded.

How to steam mussels

Steaming mussels is an easy cooking skill to learn, and it's a great choice for a quick weeknight meal or a dinner party. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam mussels:

Purchasing and Storing Mussels:

Mussels are one of the most affordable and ecologically friendly seafood options. When buying mussels, look for those with tightly closed shells that smell fresh and briny. It's best to cook them soon after purchasing, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Place the mussels in a bowl, cover them with a damp cloth or paper towel, and keep them in the fridge. Mussels need to breathe, so avoid storing them in an airtight container or in water.

Cleaning and Preparing Mussels:

Before cooking, clean the mussels by rinsing them in a strainer and checking for any cracked shells. Discard any mussels with cracked shells or those that don't close when tapped gently against the counter. This is a sign that the mussel is dead and should be discarded. You will also need to "debeard" the mussels by pulling off the thready tuft from the side of the mussel. Not all mussels will have beards, and it's okay if you don't remove all of it, as it's not harmful to eat.

Gathering Ingredients and Flavorings:

In addition to the mussels, you will need some basic ingredients like olive oil or butter, shallots, garlic, broth (chicken or vegetable), and white wine. You can also add other flavorings like parsley, lemon wedges, red pepper flakes, or even cream for a more luxurious dish.

Cooking the Mussels:

• Start by sautéing the shallots and garlic in butter or olive oil over medium-high heat until fragrant.
• Add in the mussels, broth, and white wine.
• Cover the pan and cook for about 5-10 minutes. Shake the pan once or twice during cooking to distribute the mussels.
• After 5 minutes, check the mussels. Discard any mussels that haven't opened, and continue cooking for a bit longer if needed.
• Serve the mussels straight from the pan or transfer them to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and squeeze some lemon over them. Don't forget to serve them with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth!

Storing Leftovers:

Mussels are best enjoyed right after cooking, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for 2-3 months. To reheat, place the mussels in a saucepan with the sauce, cover, and warm over medium heat until heated through. Avoid boiling or overcooking, as this will make the mussels rubbery.

What to serve with steamed mussels

Steamed mussels are a delicious and easy-to-cook meal. They are wonderfully sweet and briny with a hint of mushroom-like flavour. They are very mild, which makes them a perfect addition to soups, salads, and pasta. Here are some ideas for what to serve with steamed mussels:

• Bread: Bread is a perfect candidate, especially if the mussels are cooked in a rich sauce. You can use a baguette, ciabatta, or buckwheat bread.
• French Fries: French fries make a fantastic side to mussels, and any dish, for that matter. You can also try sweet potato fries for a sweeter version.
• Rice: A simple bowl of steamed rice goes well with mussels, especially when they are served in a flavourful broth or sauce. You can also add saffron to give the rice a nice, buttery flavour.
• Garlic Bread: Smother sliced French bread with garlic and butter and bake until golden. The crustiness adds a lovely texture to the meal.
• Potatoes: Potato wedges, garlic parmesan potato wedges, or mashed potatoes are a great source of carbs to go with mussels.
• Salads: A light and refreshing salad can be a great accompaniment to mussels. Try a tomato salad, a fennel salad, or a green salad with Parmesan dressing.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, artichokes, or roasted bell peppers, can add a fresh flavour to the mussels.
• Pasta: Angel hair pasta or spaghetti are also great options to serve with mussels. The long thin noodles are coated with garlicky butter and seasoned with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

How to store leftover mussels

Storing leftover mussels correctly is essential to ensure they stay fresh, tasty, and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide on how to store leftover mussels:

Storing Cooked Mussels in the Fridge

Remove the cooked mussels from their shells. Once the mussels have cooled down, carefully pry open their shells and remove the meat using a spoon or knife. Taking the mussels out of their shells helps save space and maintain freshness. Place the mussel meat in an airtight container or a plastic storage bag. Cover the mussels with the broth or liquid they were cooked in. This helps to preserve their flavour. You can also add some lemon juice to the broth to enhance its taste. Make sure the broth is cool before pouring it into the container. Store the mussels at the back of your fridge, which is usually the coldest part. Properly stored cooked mussels will last in the refrigerator for up to four days. However, it is recommended to consume them within one to two days for the best taste and texture. Before eating, check the mussels for any unpleasant odour or a slimy texture, which indicates spoilage.

Storing Cooked Mussels in the Freezer

Remove the mussels from their shells. Cool the cooked mussels and carefully take out the meat from the shells. Place the mussel meat in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Cover the mussels completely with their broth. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag, seal it tightly, and label it with the date. Frozen cooked mussels will last for up to four months in the freezer. However, the quality may decline after this period, and they may become mushy or less flavourful. To thaw frozen mussels, place them in the refrigerator overnight or put them in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. Do not refreeze mussels after thawing, as it can affect their quality and increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

Frequently asked questions