Athena Vale
Mussels are a quick, inexpensive, and tasty dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, from classic creamy French sauces to spicy curries. They are also nutritious, containing high levels of iron and B12. When cooking mussels, it is important to ensure they are alive before cooking by checking that the shells are tightly closed. They can be cooked in a pan with a tight-fitting lid, with some liquid to create steam, for around 5-7 minutes. You can also buy mussels that are already fully cooked and frozen, or cooked and vacuum-packed in a sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Quick to cook | 5-7 minutes |
| Inexpensive | |
| Party-friendly | |
| Nutritious | Good source of iron and B12 |
| Easy to buy | Available in cooked and frozen form |
| Easy to store | Can be stored in the fridge for a few days |
| Easy to prepare | Should be washed and prepared before cooking |
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What You'll Learn
How to tell if mussels are alive before cooking
Mussels are a popular seafood choice and can be cooked in a variety of ways. However, it is important to ensure that the mussels are alive before cooking to avoid food poisoning and other health risks. Here are some ways to tell if mussels are alive before cooking:
Check the Shells
Mussels that are alive will have closed shells or shells that close when tapped or squeezed. If a mussel's shell is open and does not close when tapped, it is likely dead and should be discarded. When buying mussels, it is best to avoid those with lots of open shells. Additionally, mussels with broken or cracked shells should be avoided as they are more likely to be contaminated with bacteria.
Smell the Mussels
Fresh mussels should have a mild, sweet, and ocean-like scent. If the mussels emit a strong, sour, fishy, or ammonia-like odour, they are likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Inspect the Appearance
In addition to checking the shells, it is important to inspect the overall appearance of the mussels. Avoid mussels that appear slimy or have a discoloured appearance, as these may be signs of spoilage.
Prepare and Cook the Mussels
Before cooking, give the mussels a quick clean and prepare them by sautéing chopped onions, garlic, and/or ginger, along with aromatics like lemongrass or chiles. Mussels are cooked through steam, so add a liquid such as wine, coconut milk, or soy sauce to the pot and cover with a lid. Cook the mussels for approximately 3-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. The mussels are cooked when their shells have opened. Any mussels that remain closed after cooking are unsafe to eat and should be discarded.
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How to cook mussels
Mussels are a versatile, inexpensive, and quick-cooking dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook mussels:
Selecting and Storing Mussels:
When buying mussels, choose those with tightly closed shells, indicating they are alive and fresh. They should smell fresh and briny like the ocean, avoiding any with a fishy odour. If a mussel is open, tap or gently squeeze it; a live mussel will close its shell in response. If it doesn't close, discard it. Store mussels in a bowl covered with a damp cloth in the refrigerator, ensuring they can breathe. They are best cooked the same day but can be stored for a few days.
Preparing the Mussels:
Before cooking, give the mussels a quick clean by scrubbing the shells to remove any loose bits. You can also buy mussels that are already cleaned and debearded. Sauté aromatics like onion, garlic, ginger, and spices to create a flavour base.
Cooking the Mussels:
Add a liquid such as wine, cider, coconut milk, or stock to a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Set the pan over high heat and bring the liquid to a simmer. Add the mussels, cover, and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. The mussels are cooked when their shells have opened; discard any that remain closed.
Serving the Mussels:
Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle with chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, being cautious with salt as mussels are already salty. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Remember to provide a large bowl for the empty shells.
Additional Tips:
- Mussels can be used in a variety of dishes like pasta, curry, or stew.
- Smaller mussels are generally sweeter and more succulent than larger ones.
- Mussels that don't open during cooking can be pried open and eaten, but if tightly closed, it's best to discard them.
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How to buy mussels
Mussels are a delicious, inexpensive, and quick-cooking meal option. They are also quite versatile, pairing well with classic creamy French sauces and spicy curries alike. When buying mussels, it is important to ensure that they are fresh and alive, as they spoil rapidly once they die. Here are some tips on how to buy mussels:
Check the Source
If possible, source your mussels from a trusted fishmonger or seafood counter. Mussels from a reliable source are less likely to be filled with grit and dirt, but it is still a good idea to give them a quick clean before cooking.
Inspect the Shells
Look for mussels with wet, shiny shells. The shells should be closed, which is a sign that the mussel is alive. If any shells are open, give them a gentle tap or squeeze, and they should close. Avoid buying mussels with cracked or discoloured shells.
Smell the Mussels
Fresh mussels should smell like the ocean—briny and fresh, with a hint of salty sea air. Avoid mussels with a strong fishy odour.
Check for the "Beard"
The "beard" is a thread-like cluster that extends out of the side of the shell, helping the mussel cling to surfaces. Most mussels at the seafood counter will be partially de-bearded, but if any threads remain, grab them firmly between your thumb and forefinger and pull them away from the shell.
Storage
If you are not cooking the mussels on the same day you buy them, store them in the refrigerator. Place the mussels in a colander inside a bowl and cover them loosely with a damp paper towel. Remember to change or re-dampen the paper towel daily and discard any liquid that collects at the bottom of the bowl.
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How to store mussels
Storing mussels correctly is important to ensure they stay fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat. If you don't plan on cooking mussels within one to two days of buying them, you should consider freezing them.
Storing Fresh Mussels
Fresh mussels should be stored in the refrigerator and used within two to four days. They should be placed in a bowl or unsealed container and covered with a damp cloth or paper towel. They should not be stored in water or a closed container, as they need to breathe and will suffocate and spoil faster if they are submerged. Instead, place them on a bed of crushed ice, draining any melted water and re-icing daily. Alternatively, you can place a smaller bowl upside down in a larger bowl, put the mussels on top, and then place the ice on top of them, underneath the damp cloth. Make sure to drain the mussels daily to remove any pooling water, as mussels release water naturally. Fresh mussels should smell like the ocean and have tightly closed shells or close their shells when tapped. Any with cracked shells or those that stay open should be discarded.
Freezing Fresh Mussels
Fresh mussels can be frozen for up to three to four months.
Storing Cooked Mussels
Cooked mussels can be stored in the refrigerator for one to four days or frozen for up to four months.
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Mussels as a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal option
Mussels are a fantastic option for a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal. They are versatile, tasty, and can be cooked in a variety of ways, from classic creamy French sauces to spicy curries. They are also quick-cooking, taking only around 3-4 to 7 minutes depending on the recipe.
When buying mussels, it is important to ensure they are fresh. They should be alive, with closed shells, and smell pleasantly of the sea. It is best to choose smaller mussels as they tend to be sweeter and more succulent. Before cooking, they should be cleaned and debearded.
Ingredients:
- Mussels
- Wine (white wine is a common choice, but you can also use cider or lager)
- Chopped shallots or onions
- Chopped garlic
- Fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, dill, or tarragon)
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions:
- Tip the mussels into a large pan with a tight-fitting lid. The pan should be no more than half full.
- Add the wine and chopped shallots/onions.
- Set the pan over high heat and cover with the lid.
- When the pan starts to steam, cook the mussels for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
- They are cooked when the shells have opened.
- Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs.
- Spoon the mussels into warmed bowls and pour over the pan juices. Serve with crusty bread.
Mussels can also be used in a variety of other dishes, such as seafood stews, paella, pasta, chowder, or even steamed and served with French fries (a popular dish in Belgium known as "Moules frites").
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Frequently asked questions
No, mussels are usually still alive when purchased in their shells. They need to be cooked before eating.
Mussels are fully cooked when their shells open up. If the shells remain closed after cooking, it means the mussels were dead before cooking and should be discarded.
Mussels are quick-cooking. It takes around 5-7 minutes for an average serving of mussels to be fully cooked.
Yes, you can buy mussels that are already fully cooked. They are usually sold frozen or vacuum-packed in a sauce.
