Steaming Mussels: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Guide

Steamed mussels are a simple, quick, and delicious dish that can be made in several ways. This guide will teach you how to cook steamed mussels, including preparation and cooking methods, as well as tips for a perfect dish.

Preparing mussels for cooking

Storing and Cleaning Mussels:

Firstly, it is important to note that mussels are alive when purchased, so proper storage is crucial. Place the mussels in a bowl, ensuring they have enough space, and cover them with a damp dish towel or paper towel. Do not store them in an airtight container or water, as this can kill them. They will release some liquid, which is normal. Check on them daily and keep the towel moist. Mussels can last 2-3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.

Sorting and Cleaning:

Before cooking, sort through the mussels and discard any with cracked or chipped shells. Tap any open mussels on the counter; fresh mussels should close their shells when tapped. If they do not close, discard them. Rinse the mussels under cold running water, scrubbing them with a vegetable or firm brush to remove sand, dirt, and any barnacles.

Debearding:

Most mussels have a beard, which is a bundle of fibres that emerge from the shell. It is not pleasant to eat, so it is best to remove it. To do this, hold the mussel in one hand with a dry towel and pull the beard out and away from the shell with your other hand. It may require a good wiggle to remove it completely.

Final Preparation:

Once the mussels are cleaned and debearded, they are almost ready for cooking. Give them a final rinse under cold water, and they will be ready to steam!

How to steam mussels

Steamed mussels are a simple, quick, and delicious dish. Here is a guide on how to steam mussels:

Purchasing and Storing Mussels

When buying mussels, look for those with tightly closed shells that smell fresh and briny. A few cracked shells are not a significant concern, but if most mussels are open or have cracked shells, choose another batch.

Mussels are living creatures and are best cooked soon after buying. If you need to store them, place them in a bowl covered with a damp cloth or paper towel in the fridge. Mussels need to breathe, so do not store them in an airtight container or water.

Preparing Mussels

Before cooking, sort through the mussels and discard any with cracked shells. Tap any open mussels against the counter; fresh mussels should react and close their shells. If the mussel doesn't close, discard it.

Most mussels have a beard – fibres emerging from the shell. It is not pleasant to eat, so remove it by holding the mussel in one hand and pulling the beard out and away with the other hand. Use a firm brush to remove extra sand and barnacles, then rinse the mussels under cold water.

Steaming Mussels

Steaming mussels is one of the easiest and fastest ways to cook shellfish. Start by heating butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium to high heat. Add some shallots and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant.

Next, add the mussels to the pot and toss them in the mixture. Pour in some wine, broth, cream, butter, and parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and cook until the mussels are cooked through and the shells have opened – this should take around 6 to 10 minutes.

Finally, stir in some cream and parsley, and add a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Serve the mussels in large bowls with the cooking liquid and some crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Tips

• Check the mussels after 5-6 minutes of cooking and stir to distribute the ingredients.
• Do not overcook the mussels, as they will become tough.
• Discard any mussels that do not open during cooking.
• You can experiment with different liquids and spices to create your own unique dish.

Storing mussels until cooking

Storing mussels correctly until you are ready to cook them is essential to ensure they are safe to eat and taste their best. Here is a guide to help you do that:

Storing Live Mussels

Live mussels should be stored in the refrigerator and will keep well for 2 to 4 days. Place them in a bowl or on a tray, but do not use a closed container or a sealed plastic bag. Mussels need to be in an open container to breathe. Cover the container with a damp cloth or paper towel to help them retain moisture without smothering them. Do not add water to the container, as this can kill the mussels. If you want to keep them chilled, place a sealed bag of ice on top of the mussels, underneath the cloth. Keep the mussels on the bottom shelf of your fridge, where they are least likely to leak or drip onto other foods.

Each day, pour out any liquid that has collected in the bowl and check the mussels. Fresh mussels should smell mildly salty, like the ocean, and their shells should close when tapped. Throw away any mussels with cracked shells or that smell rotten.

Storing Cooked Mussels

Cooked mussels can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 days or frozen for up to 4 months. To store them in the refrigerator, first, remove the mussel meat from the shells and place it in an airtight container. Cover the mussels with the broth they were cooked in. Alternatively, place them in a plastic storage bag.

To freeze cooked mussels, remove them from their shells and place them in a freezer-safe container, covering them completely with broth. Seal the container and freeze for up to 3 to 4 months.

Mussels and food safety

Mussels are a delicious and easy-to-cook dish, but it's important to keep some food safety tips in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable meal. Here are some detailed instructions on mussels and food safety:

Purchasing and Storing Mussels:

Before cooking, it's essential to buy mussels from a trusted seafood source. Look for fresh mussels with intact shells and no cracks or chips. When you get home, remove them from any airtight bags and store them in a colander over a bowl. Cover the colander with a damp dish towel and keep them in the refrigerator. Check on them daily, ensuring they don't sit in water and keeping the towel damp. Mussels can last 2-3 days or sometimes longer when stored properly.

Cleaning and Preparing Mussels:

Before cooking, clean your mussels by removing any beards, the fibres that emerge from the shell, with a dry towel and a good wiggle. Then, use a firm brush to scrub away any extra sand or barnacles, and rinse the mussels under cold water. Discard any mussels with broken shells or those that don't close when tapped on the counter.

Cooking Mussels:

When cooking, follow a trusted recipe, such as steaming mussels with garlic and parsley or a white wine broth. Ensure the mussels are thoroughly cooked by steaming them until their shells open, usually around 6-10 minutes. Always discard any mussels that haven't opened during cooking.

Food Safety Regulations:

Reputable mussel farmers and suppliers adhere to strict food safety protocols and regulations. For example, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) closely monitors the waters where shellfish are cultivated, and Canadian mussels have a federally regulated tagging system for traceability. These measures help ensure that mussels are free of harmful bacteria, toxins, and contaminants like E. coli and Salmonella.

Consumption and Health Risks:

Consuming contaminated mussels can lead to severe health issues, including E. coli and Salmonella infections, which can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever, and other life-threatening complications. Symptoms typically appear within 12-72 hours after consumption, and medical attention should be sought immediately if these symptoms develop.

Serving suggestions

Steamed mussels are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, from elegant dinner parties to quick weeknight meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your steamed mussels:

Classic Combinations

The classic combination of crusty bread with steamed mussels is always a good idea. A baguette, grilled or toasted, is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth and juices released by the mussels during cooking. For an extra flavour boost, rub the grilled bread with garlic.

Hearty Add-Ons

For a heartier meal, consider serving steamed mussels with French fries, also known as "Moules Frites". Air-fried red potato wedges seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and thyme make a tasty side dish.

Creative Twists

Get creative by adding steamed mussels to pasta dishes. Toss them with linguini, spaghetti, or tagliatelle, along with the creamy steaming liquid, for an elegant and indulgent dinner. For a rustic starter, wrap shelled, steamed mussels in bacon or pancetta, skewer them, and roast them in a cast-iron skillet.

Salads and Sides

Steamed mussels can also be a delicious addition to salads and side dishes. Toss them with boiled red potatoes and a mustardy dressing, then serve over greens for a potato salad with a briny twist. For a refreshing appetizer, serve chilled mussels on the half shell with red pepper aioli, just like they do in coastal Chile and Galicia in Spain.

Soups and Stews

Mussels are commonly used in seafood soups and stews, such as cioppino and paella. Create a Mediterranean-style stew by steaming mussels with other fish and shellfish in a tomato broth. For a decadent bisque, combine mussels with spinach, saffron, and heavy cream. Alternatively, showcase the classic pairing of chorizo and mussels in a brothy soup.

Customisations

Feel free to experiment with different liquids for steaming mussels, such as beer, cider, or sake. Add spices, citrus, or other proteins to create unique flavour profiles. For a kick of spice, add red pepper flakes to the garlic and shallot mixture. Include fresh herbs like tarragon, chervil, or chives to enhance the dish's freshness.

Frequently asked questions