Description
Succulent Bonefish Mussels infuse Mediterranean flavors with fresh shellfish and zesty white wine sauce. Garlic, herbs, and lemon create a rich seafood experience you’ll savor down to the last aromatic bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 lbs (1.8 kg) fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 1 cup white grape juice
- ⅓ cup (75 g) butter
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (or more to taste)
- ¼ tsp kosher salt (or more to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup chopped parsley or chives
- Parsley sprigs
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Butter Infusion: Melt butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until smooth and translucent, creating a rich foundational base for the dish.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic and red chili flakes to the melted butter, stirring until the ingredients release their fragrant essence and turn lightly golden, developing a complex flavor profile.
- Liquid Preparation: Gently pour white grape juice into the saucepan, bringing it to a delicate simmer that will help preserve the subtle taste nuances of the upcoming seafood.
- Mussel Integration: Carefully add cleaned and debearded mussels to the liquid, distributing them evenly across the pan’s surface. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the shellfish’s natural maritime flavors.
- Steaming Process: Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, allowing the mussels to steam for 6-8 minutes. This creates a moisture-rich environment that ensures thorough cooking and encourages the shells to open, revealing their tender interior.
- Final Touches: Remove the pan from heat, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the cooked mussels, and sprinkle finely chopped parsley to introduce brightness and herbal complexity. Discard any unopened shells to ensure food safety.
- Presentation: Transfer the mussels to a serving platter, garnishing with additional lemon wedges and parsley sprigs to enhance both visual appeal and citrusy flavor profile.
Notes
- Mussel Freshness Check: Inspect mussels before cooking, discarding any with cracked shells or those that don’t close when tapped, ensuring top-quality seafood safety.
- Butter Melting Technique: Use medium heat and stir constantly to prevent burning, creating a smooth base that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Steam Time Precision: Monitor cooking time closely; 6-8 minutes is crucial for perfectly cooked mussels that are tender and just opened, avoiding rubbery texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after cooking to maintain optimal temperature and texture, pairing with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 327
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 543 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 82 mg