Mouth-Watering Mussel Recipe with White Wine & Garlic

Picture this: It’s a beautiful summer evening, and you want to impress your guests with a dish that is both elegant and easy to prepare. Look no further than this recipe for steamed Mussels with White Wine, Parsley, and Garlic.

This seafood delight is simple yet sophisticated, highlighting the sweetness of fresh mussels against the tangy acidity of dry white wine. The aromatic combination of parsley and garlic adds depth of flavor to the dish, while the lemon zest brightens everything up with its citrusy essence.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also cost-effective, making it perfect for dinner parties or date nights on a budget. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare – all you need is a large pot and some basic ingredients, and you’ll be indulging in restaurant-quality moules marinières in no time.

So why not take the leap and try out this recipe? Trust me when I say that once you’ve mastered the art of steaming mussels in a white wine garlic sauce, you’ll never go back to boring old pasta dishes again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mussels With White Wine, Parsley, and Garlic
Mussels With White Wine, Parsley, and Garlic

Are you a seafood lover? Then, you’re going to love this recipe! Mussels With White Wine, Parsley, and Garlic is one of the most delicious and easy dishes that you can prepare in no time. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, be it a romantic dinner with your loved one or a family feast.

One of the reasons why I love this recipe is because it’s packed with flavor. The combination of fresh parsley leaves, garlic cloves, and dry white wine make for a rich and aromatic broth that perfectly steams the mussels. Plus, the addition of lemon zest adds just the right amount of zing to this already flavorful dish.

Another reason to love this recipe is that it’s super easy to make. You only need a few basic ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand already. Just sauté the garlic and shallots in olive oil, add the wine and bring it to a boil, then steam the mussels until they open up. It’s that simple!

But what truly makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. You can enjoy this dish on its own as an appetizer or serve it over pasta for a main course. You can even top your mussels with a creamy sauce or tomato sauce for added decadence.

Finally, let’s not forget about the health benefits of eating mussels! Mussels are low in calories but high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making them perfect for those who are health conscious. Plus, they also contain important vitamins and minerals such as iron and vitamin B12.

So there you have it – all the reasons why you should try this delicious recipe. From its rich flavors to its simplicity and versatility to its health benefits, Mussels With White Wine, Parsley, and Garlic is sure to become one of your favorite dishes.

Ingredient List

 Savor the taste of the sea with this classic dish of mussels with white wine.
Savor the taste of the sea with this classic dish of mussels with white wine.

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious and easy recipe:
* 4 pounds fresh mussels
* 4 large shallots, finely chopped
* 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
* 2 cups dry white wine (such as sauvignon blanc)
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
* 1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
* Zest of 1 lemon
* 2 garlic toasts, for serving

These easy-to-find ingredients can make the perfect dish for your next dinner party or romantic date night.

The Recipe How-To

 Let your taste buds take a trip to the French coast with this delectable recipe.
Let your taste buds take a trip to the French coast with this delectable recipe.

Step 1: Clean the Mussels

Before cooking the mussels, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly. Discard any mussels that are already open and refuse to close when tapped. Soak the live mussels in cold water with 1/4 cup of kosher salt for 30 minutes. This process will allow the mussels to expel any sand or debris.

Afterward, scrub the mussels with a brush under running water to remove any remaining dirt on their shells. Remove the beards by pulling them gently toward the hinge end of the shell. If some beards are tough, use a pair of pliers to pull them.

Step 2: Sauté The Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter cut into small pieces. Once melted, add in 4 large shallots finely chopped, and sauté for about three minutes until softened. Then add in 4 garlic cloves finely chopped, and cook until fragrant for about 30 seconds.

This step is also when you can add additional flavors to the dish, such as red pepper flakes or anchovies.

Step 3: Cook The Mussels

Turn up the heat to high, then pour in 2 cups of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, and bring it to a boil. Add in the cleaned mussels, cover with a lid, and let steam over high heat for about five minutes or until all the mussels have opened.

During this process, occasionally shake the pot with the lid closed to ensure even steaming.

Once ready, discard any unopened mussels before transferring them along with their broth to a serving bowl.

Step 4: Finish With Fresh Parsley And Lemon Juice

Add in a bunch of fresh parsley leaves and/or flat-leaf parsley to the mussels and broth, then give it a good stir. This will bring freshness and an herbaceous quality to the dish.

If you like a bit of tartness to your dishes, add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Step 5: Serve Hot With Garlic Toasts

Serve the steaming mussels and sauce hot in bowls with some garlic toasts on the side. This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of dry white wine or bread to soak up all the delicious broth.

Substitutions and Variations

 Garlic, parsley, and white wine combine to create a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Garlic, parsley, and white wine combine to create a symphony of flavors in every bite.

Mussels are incredibly versatile and can be cooked with a variety of ingredients in different ways. Here are a few substitutions and variations to change up the flavors of your mussels with white wine, parsley, and garlic recipe.

1. Lemon: Instead of using dry white wine, you can substitute it with lemon juice or zest. The lemony flavor will complement the garlic and parsley perfectly.

2. Anchovies: If you want to add some umami flavor to your recipe, you can use anchovies instead of garlic. The savory taste of anchovies works amazingly with mussels, creating a unique flavor profile.

3. Red pepper: If you love spicy food, you can add some dried red pepper flakes to your recipe. It will give your mussels a bit of heat, balancing out the other flavors.

4. Cream sauce: If you want to make your mussels less soupy and more creamy, you can add cream or coconut milk to the recipe. This variation is delicious served over pasta.

5. Tomato sauce: For a classic seafood taste, try adding tomato sauce to your mussels’ recipe. The acidity will balance out the richness of the white wine and butter.

6. Frozen mussels: If fresh mussels are not available or too expensive in your area, you could use frozen mussels instead. Ensure that they are properly defrosted and drained before cooking them in the white wine-garlic sauce.

Whether steamed or baked, served straight from the shell or over pasta, these variations are sure to bring new twists that’ll tantalize your tastebuds!

Serving and Pairing

 Impress your dinner guests with this effortless yet elegant recipe of mussels with white wine.
Impress your dinner guests with this effortless yet elegant recipe of mussels with white wine.

This delicious mussels recipe with white wine, parsley, and garlic is perfect for seafood lovers who are looking for something light and flavorful. The delicate flavors of the mussels pair well with a dry white wine that complements the savory brothy sauce.

When it comes to serving this dish, I suggest garnishing it with some chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest over the top. Another great option is to add some red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Serve it as an appetizer or main course with some crusty french bread on the side to mop up all that delicious garlic-infused sauce.

For those looking for a pairing suggestion, I recommend a Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino. A Sauvignon Blanc will offer a crisp taste that’s perfect for steamed mussels and will complement any garlic-based recipe. Vermentino, on the other hand, offers an aromatic component while still being crisp and refreshing.

Overall, this mussels recipe pairs well with pasta dishes like linguine or spaghetti, making it an easy weeknight dinner option. It also goes well with a bright green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. For those looking to elevate the dish further, try it with seafood risotto or paella. No matter how you serve it, this dish is sure to impress your guests and is perfect for any occasion from casual gatherings to fancy dinner parties.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Dive right into this bowl of mussels as they soak up all the rich flavors of the broth.
Dive right into this bowl of mussels as they soak up all the rich flavors of the broth.

Making mussels with white wine, parsley, and garlic is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights. But did you know that you can also make it ahead of time?

To make this dish ahead of time, simply cook the mussels according to the recipe instructions, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the mussels in a pot with their cooking liquid over medium heat until warm.

If you have leftover cooked mussels, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a pot with some of their cooking liquid over medium heat until heated through.

It’s important to note, however, that not all mussels will survive reheating. Some may become tough or rubbery, so it’s best to only cook what you plan on eating fresh.

To ensure that your reheated mussels are as delicious and flavorful as when they were first cooked, be sure to store them properly and reheat them gently. With these tips, you can enjoy this delectable seafood dish anytime you want!

Tips for Perfect Results

 Indulge in the briny goodness of these fresh mussels as they soak up the savory broth it's cooked in.
Indulge in the briny goodness of these fresh mussels as they soak up the savory broth it’s cooked in.

To ensure delicious and flavorful steamed mussels in white wine garlic sauce, follow these essential tips.

First, make sure to rinse the mussels thoroughly with cold water and remove the beards (those hairy bits on the shells). This step ensures that you get rid of any grit or sand from the shells that can affect the taste and texture of the dish.

Next, use a large pot with a tight-fitting lid to steam the mussels. The pot should be big enough to accommodate all the mussels without overcrowding them. Overcrowding the mussels will result in uneven cooking and may lead to overcooked or undercooked shells, ruining their flavor and texture.

When cooking the shallots and garlic for the white wine garlic sauce, make sure not to brown or burn them. Overcooking the aromatics will make them bitter and ruin the flavor of your sauce. Instead, sauté them over low heat until translucent and fragrant.

For an extra burst of flavor, add some lemon zest along with the garlic and parsley. The lemon zest adds a bright, tangy note to the dish that complements the briny taste of the mussels perfectly.

Finally, don’t forget to serve some crusty garlic toasts on the side. The toasts are perfect for sopping up all that delicious white wine garlic sauce.

FAQ

As with any recipe, there may be some questions on ingredients or techniques. In this section, I have addressed some common FAQs to provide clarification and ease any concerns. So, let’s dive into the frequently asked questions about this delicious mussels with white wine, parsley, and garlic recipe!

What wine is best for mussels in white wine sauce?

When it comes to savory baked mussels with garlic and breadcrumbs, a Pinot Grigio or any other dry and crisp Italian white can be the perfect match. However, a fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc like Sauvignon de Touraine or an unoaked Chardonnay will also do the trick by complementing the dish’s flavors beautifully.

What wine is best for steaming mussels?

Pairing a wine with a dish is all about highlighting and complementing the flavors, and when it comes to steamed mussels, the wine you choose should be crisp and zingy with a salty minerality that can enhance the taste of the mussels. A French Muscadet or a Chablis, which is a Chardonnay with a unique flavor of oyster shells, are excellent options to elevate the flavors of a simple white wine or beer steamed mussel dish.

What to serve with white wine garlic mussels?

As a sommelier, part of my job is to recommend dishes that pair perfectly with different types of wine. Some of my favorite choices to pair with wine include toasted baguette, saffron rice, and garlic bread. If you’re in the mood for something a little more savory, I’d suggest trying out French fries, sweet potato fries, or garlic parmesan potato wedges. And for those who love a classic combination, you can never go wrong with tomato sauce. So whether you’re looking for something sweet, salty, or something in between, there’s a dish out there that’s sure to pair perfectly with your favorite bottle of wine.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Mussels with White Wine, Parsley, and Garlic recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers. Its rich flavor and effortless preparation make it an ideal meal for casual dinners or special occasions. The recipe’s versatility allows room to experiment with substitutions and variations, enabling you to tailor the meal to your taste. Also, the dish pairs exceptionally well with a glass of dry white wine or garlic toast, making it perfect for wine enthusiasts.

So, don’t hesitate to try out this dish at home. You can enjoy a tasty seafood meal that is quick and easy to prepare, yet yields fantastic results. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or wanting a delectable dinner for two, this meal has got you covered. Impress your guests with this classic French dish or treat yourself to a delightful seafood feast. Trust me; you won’t regret it!

Mussels With White Wine, Parsley, and Garlic

Mussels With White Wine, Parsley, and Garlic Recipe

I LOVE mussels prepared with wine and garlic. This is a simple way to prepare fresh mussels from restaurant Resto in New York City.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Fusion
Calories 469.6 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • kosher salt
  • 4 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley, plus
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 6 anchovies, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups white wine
  • 3 lbs fresh mussels, debearded
  • 1 lemon, zest of

Instructions
 

  • Make a paste with the garlic and a little salt. Top garlic with chopped parsley and anchovies; chop together to form a smooth paste.
  • Heat oil in a 6 quart pot over medium heat. Add paste; cook, stirring, until aromatic, about 2 minutes. Add wine; boil for 2 minutes. Add mussels; cover and steam until they open, 3-4 minutes.
  • Sprinkle mussels with parsley leaves and lemon zest. Toss with a spoon.
  • Serve mussels and broth in bowls with crusty bread to sop up the savory liquid.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 481gCalories: 469.6kcalCarbohydrates: 17.1gProtein: 42.7gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 100.4mgSodium: 1203.7mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1.2g
Keyword < 60 Mins, European, Mussels, Savory, Stove Top
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