Dive into a world of flavor with this incredibly easy and surprisingly elegant Lemon Garlic Butter Mussels recipe – the perfect "poor man's gourmet" dish. Forget fussy preparations and expensive ingredients; this recipe elevates humble mussels into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The intoxicating aroma of garlic and butter melding with the briny sweetness of the mussels will have your taste buds singing. This recipe is perfect for a romantic weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, proving that delicious doesn't have to be difficult.
Prepare to be amazed at how quickly and easily you can create this delectable dish. The simple yet powerful combination of fresh ingredients will transport you to a seaside bistro without ever leaving your kitchen. Ready to transform ordinary mussels into an extraordinary culinary experience? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Tongs
Ingredients
- Garlic cloves: 2
- Green onions: 1/4 stick
- Fresh parsley
- Mussels
- Water: 1/2 inch to 1 inch
- Butter: 1/2 stick + 1/2 stick
- Sherry wine
- Stock
- Lemon juice
- Crushed red pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Mussels
- Chop up 2 cloves of garlic and 1/4 stick of green onion very finely. Also chop some fresh parsley finely.
- Rinse mussels under cold water. Remove any impurities or byssus threads from the shells.
Step 2. Steam the Mussels
- Boil 1/2 to 1 inch of water in a pot. Add mussels, cover, and steam for a few minutes until the mussels open and bubbles rise.
- Remove the mussels from the heat and rinse the pot.
Step 3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt 1/2 stick of butter in the pot over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, onion, and parsley.
- Add sherry wine, stock, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper. Cook for about 1.5 minutes until the flavors fuse.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Pour the sauce over the cooked mussels.
- Break off the back of the mussel shell and use it to scoop the mussel and sauce to eat.
Read more: Sautéed White Beans with Garlic, Sage & Tomatoes: Easy Side Dish Recipe
Tips
- Ensure mussels are thoroughly cleaned before cooking.
- Discard any mussels that don't open during cooking.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-800
- Fat: 40-60g
- Carbs: 10-20g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen mussels instead of fresh?
It's best to use fresh mussels for the best flavor and texture. Frozen mussels can be used in a pinch, but be sure to thaw them completely and rinse them thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess ice crystals.
2. What kind of wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best. The wine adds depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. You can also omit the wine entirely if preferred.
This Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Mussels recipe proves that gourmet meals don't have to be complicated or expensive. Enjoy the delicious results, savoring the rich flavors and effortless preparation. Impress your friends and family with this simple yet stunning dish!