Steaming Mussels: White Wine Delicacy In Minutes

Steamed mussels with white wine is a classic dish that is incredibly easy to make. The natural juices of the mussels combine with the white wine to create a heavenly sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you're having company over and want something both fancy and simple. It's also quite affordable, which is a major bonus. This recipe is similar to the classic Belgian version, but with the addition of wine and butter.

Cleaning and preparing mussels for cooking

Soaking:

Firstly, fill a large bowl with cold water, making sure it's big enough to hold all your mussels. Add a quarter cup of salt to the water and give it a good mix. Place the mussels in the bowl and swish them around with your hands for a few minutes. Set the bowl aside and leave the mussels to soak for around 15-20 minutes. This process helps to remove any dirt, salt, or debris from inside their shells.

De-bearding:

After soaking, drain the mussels and place them in a colander. Now it's time to remove the 'beard'—the stringy fibres that emerge from the shell. Hold each mussel in one hand, using a dry towel, and pull the beard out and away from the mussel with your other hand. It can be tricky, so give it a good wiggle. If you can't remove the whole beard, don't worry—it's edible and won't harm you. Just make sure you discard any loose fibres.

Scrubbing:

Give the mussels a good scrub with a firm brush under cold running water. This will help remove any remaining sand, mud, barnacles, or other debris. Scrub them until the shells feel smooth to the touch. If there are any stubborn bits, carefully scrape them off with a knife.

Rinsing and drying:

Rinse the cleaned mussels in a colander under cold water. Then, pat them dry with a clean towel. Now your mussels are ready for cooking!

Storage and freshness:

It's best to cook mussels as soon after purchasing as possible, ideally within one to two days. When storing mussels, keep them in a bowl covered with a damp cloth or paper towel in the refrigerator. Make sure they have space to breathe, and don't store them in water or a closed container. Check on them daily, draining any water that has accumulated.

Before cooking, inspect your mussels and discard any with cracked or chipped shells, or those that don't close when tapped or squeezed. Mussels should have a mild, salty smell. If they smell rotten, discard them.

Choosing the right wine for steamed mussels

The wine you choose for your steamed mussels can make or break the dish. The right wine will complement the mussels' delicate flavour, while the wrong one can overpower or clash with it. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wine for your steamed mussels:

• Dry white wine is the classic choice for steamed mussels. Look for a wine that is crisp and citrusy, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or unoaked Chardonnay. These wines will add a bright, refreshing note to the dish.
• Avoid sweet or oaky wines, as they can be too heavy and overwhelm the delicate flavour of the mussels.
• If you want to add a creamy element to your dish, consider using a small amount of heavy cream in addition to the wine. This will give the sauce a richer, more luxurious texture without making it too heavy.
• When in doubt, choose a wine that you would drink on its own. A good rule of thumb is to cook with a wine that you enjoy drinking, as it will add a familiar flavour to the dish.
• You can also get creative and experiment with different types of wine to find your preferred flavour combination. For example, you could try using a semi-dry Riesling or a sparkling wine for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Remember that the wine you choose should complement the other ingredients in your dish as well. If you are serving your steamed mussels with garlic, shallots, and parsley, choose a wine that will enhance these flavours without being too overpowering.

By following these tips, you can choose the perfect wine to create delicious, elegant steamed mussels that your guests will love.

How to steam mussels

Ingredients

Mussels are a great choice for a quick, delicious, and affordable meal. They are best served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the leftover broth.

For a classic steamed mussels recipe, you will need:

• Mussels (4 pounds)
• White wine (dry, such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or unoaked Chardonnay)
• Shallots (2 small, thinly sliced)
• Garlic (2 cloves, finely chopped)
• Butter (unsalted)
• Chicken/vegetable/seafood stock (1 cup)
• Cream (optional)
• Parsley (1/4 cup, roughly chopped)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Bread (baguette, sourdough, or rustic Italian loaf), for serving

Preparation

Before cooking, it is important to clean and prepare the mussels. Buy fresh mussels from a trusted seafood counter and store them in the refrigerator for no more than 2-3 days.

To clean the mussels, start by removing them from any ice or airtight bags and placing them in a colander set over a large bowl. Cover the mussels with a damp dish towel and check on them daily.

Look through your mussels and discard any with cracked or chipped shells. Tap any open mussels on the counter to see if they close again; if they do not close, discard them.

Most mussels have a beard, which is the stringy fibers that emerge from the shell. To remove the beard, hold the mussel in one hand and pull the beard out and away from the mussel with your other hand. Use a firm brush to remove any extra sand or barnacles, and then rinse the cleaned mussels under cold water.

Cooking Instructions

Now you are ready to steam your mussels!

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, add the shallots and garlic. Cook until softened, which should take about 5 minutes.

Next, add the chicken stock, white wine, and mussels to the pot. Give the ingredients a good toss, then cover the pot and cook until the mussels have opened—this should take 6 to 10 minutes.

Once the mussels have opened, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cream and parsley, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Finally, serve your steamed mussels in large bowls with lemon wedges and plenty of warmed bread to soak up the delicious broth. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions for steamed mussels

Steamed mussels are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your steamed mussels:

On Toast

A classic way to serve steamed mussels is with garlic toast or grilled baguette. Start by rubbing a clove of garlic over the toasted bread for an added layer of flavour. You can also brush the bread with olive oil and broil it until golden and toasted. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth that the mussels create.

With Beans

For a heartier meal, serve your steamed mussels with creamy gigante beans and salty feta cheese. This combination transforms the dish into a satisfying main course.

Chilled

For a refreshing take, try serving your steamed mussels cold. Prepare them as usual and then serve them on the half shell with red pepper aioli, a popular way to enjoy them in coastal Chile and Galicia in Spain.

Stuffed

Get creative and stuff your steamed mussels! Tear off one of the shells from each mussel, then top them with breadcrumbs or pesto and bake until golden. This method adds a crunchy texture and extra flavour to your dish.

In a Soup or Stew

Mussels are commonly used in soups and stews, such as cioppino or paella. Combine them with other seafood, vegetables, or meats for a hearty and flavourful dish. You can also add them to a tomato broth with fish and shellfish for a Mediterranean-style stew.

Skewered

For a unique appetizer, try skewering your steamed mussels. Wrap the shelled mussels in bacon or pancetta, skewer three at a time, and roast them in a cast-iron skillet. This rustic starter is sure to impress your guests!

With Pasta

Toss steamed mussels with pasta for an elegant dinner. Linguini, spaghetti, or tagliatelle are all excellent choices. Don't forget to include the creamy steaming liquid and some fresh herbs like tarragon for added flavour.

As a Salad

Steaming mussels can also be a delicious addition to a salad. Try tossing them with boiled red potatoes, a mustardy dressing, and serving them over greens. You can also add other vegetables or proteins to create a heartier salad.

No matter which serving suggestion you choose, always remember to discard any mussels that do not open during cooking. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and creating your own unique steamed mussel dishes!

Storing mussels before cooking

Storing Live Mussels:

• Remove the mussels from the bag: Take the mussels out of the plastic bag or container they came in and place them in a bowl, tray, or other open containers. You can keep them in a mesh bag or store them loosely.
• Place in a bowl or unsealed container: Do not store mussels in a closed container or bag as they need to breathe and will die if kept in an airtight environment. Place a smaller bowl upside down in a larger bowl and put the mussels on top, or use a colander placed on a tray to allow any liquid produced by the mussels to drain.
• Cover with a damp cloth or paper towel: Place a clean, damp cloth or paper towel over the container to help the mussels retain moisture while still enabling them to breathe. Do not add water directly to the container as this can kill the mussels.
• Optionally, add ice: You can add a plastic bag of ice on top of the mussels and under the damp towel to help keep them chilled.
• Store in the refrigerator: Place the mussels on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, where it is typically coldest, to ensure they stay chilled and fresh. The optimal temperature for storing mussels is between 32-40° F (0-4° C).
• Drain daily and check for spoiled mussels: Mussels will produce a small amount of liquid as they sit in the container, so pour out the liquid at the bottom of the container each day. Check the mussels daily and discard any that are damaged, smell rotten, or do not close their shells when tapped.
• Use within 2-4 days: Live mussels will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days. Cook and eat them within 1-2 days of purchase for the best taste and texture.

Storing Cooked Mussels:

• Remove mussel meat from the shells: Once the mussels are cooked and cooled, remove the meat from the shells with a spoon or knife. This saves space and helps preserve the meat.
• Place in an airtight container: Put the cooked mussels in a glass or plastic storage container that seals tightly, or use a plastic storage bag.
• Cover with broth: Pour in enough of the broth (the liquid they were cooked in) to completely cover the mussels. This helps preserve their flavor.
• Store in the refrigerator or freezer: Cooked mussels will last for 1 to 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 4 months in the freezer. If refrigerating, use within 1-2 days for the best taste.

Frequently asked questions