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Tuga Pops − Sunday, September 25, 2016, 10 Years ago in Seafood Recipes
4 out of 5 with 13 ratings

Delicious Mussels in Garlic Sauce Recipe

Dive into our delicious mussels in garlic sauce, bursting with fresh flavors and herbs. They pair perfectly with warm, crispy Portuguese bread!
55 min 3 servings Easy Prep time 25 min Cooking Time 30 min
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Why you will love this Delicious Mussels in Garlic Sauce Recipe

Get ready to savor the ocean with this Mussels in Garlic Sauce recipe! Bursting with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of white wine, these mussels turn into a delicious treat. Serve them with some toasted Portuguese bread for the perfect pairing. It's an easy way to bring a taste of the sea to your dinner table. Enjoy this simple yet impressive dish that'll have everyone coming back for more!


Ingredients

2 pounds fresh mussels, see below for preparation.2 tablespoons butter2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil¼ cup shallots, chopped small3 tablespoons fresh garlic, coarsely chopped1 tablespoon Pimenta Moida, jarred crushed hot peppers2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced smallZest from half a lemon1 tablespoon fresh thyme2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced, dividedJuice from half a lemon½ cup white wine, preferably Riesling8 ounce bottle clam juice¼ cup heavy cream2 tablespoons butterPortuguese bread, sliced and toastedGarlic clove to rub on toasted bread

Equipment:

Soft brushLarge sauté panSkilletMeasuring spoonsMeasuring cupsSpatulaServing bowlSpiderStrainerZesterMedium saucepan

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. To prepare mussels, scrub shells with a soft brush to remove any barnacles or scale. De-beard by pulling on the “beard” that protrudes from some of the shells and twist back and forth to remove. Do all of this while running under cold water. Any shells that stay open, discard. Keep mussels refrigerated until ready to use.
  2. In a large sauté pan or skillet, melt butter and oil over medium heat and add shallots and cook for two minutes.
  3. Add garlic, hot peppers, plum tomatoes, lemon zest, thyme and one tablespoon of parsley. Cook for five minutes.
  4. Add lemon juice and stir mixture.
  5. Add wine and cook for two minutes to reduce liquid by half.
  6. Add clam juice, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for five minutes.
  7. Increase heat to medium high, add mussels, cover and cook for two to three minutes or until mussels open.
  8. Remove from heat and remove mussels to a serving bowl using a spider or strainer, leaving liquid and solids behind in the pan.

  9. Return the pan to the heat and add cream and cook over medium high for two minutes.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in the two tablespoons of butter.
  11. Pour this mixture over the mussels and sprinkle the remaining parsley over the finished dish.
  12. Serve hot with toasted Portuguese bread slices that have been rubbed with garlic.
  13. Discard any mussels that do not open.

Recipe Tips

Before cooking, soak the mussels in cold water for 20 minutes to help them expel any sand or grit. Discard any mussels that do not close when tapped.
When adding the wine, allow it to simmer for a few minutes before adding the cream to enhance the flavors and cook off some of the alcohol, creating a richer sauce.
Avoid overcooking the mussels; they should only take about 5-7 minutes to open. Remove them from heat immediately once they are fully opened to prevent them from becoming tough.
Adapted from a Recipe by: Marthaafamilyfeast.com

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
381 kcal
Fat
21 g
Carbs
14 g
Protein
30 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the white wine in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute white wine with either chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. If you prefer a different flavor, you could also use dry vermouth or a splash of lemon juice mixed with additional broth.

How should I store leftover mussels in garlic sauce?

Leftover mussels can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a pan over low heat to avoid making them tough.

What should I do if some mussels don’t open while cooking?

If some mussels do not open after cooking, it’s best to discard them. Closed mussels before cooking are alive, but if they remain closed after cooking, they are likely dead and not safe to eat.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and crisp wine has a refreshing acidity that complements the brininess of the mussels and enhances the garlic and herb flavors.

General: Riesling - A medium-dry Riesling offers fruity notes and vibrant acidity, balancing the richness of the garlic sauce and cream beautifully.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This pale lager has a crisp profile that cleanses the palate, making it a great match for the savory and spicy elements of the dish.

General: Pilsner - A classic pilsner with its light body and hoppy bitterness pairs well with the dish, enhancing the seafood flavors without overpowering them.

Other Beverages

Lemonade: A refreshing lemonade provides a zesty contrast to the richness of the garlic sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.

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Reviews (2) Add a review

Francis
Francis
Can I substitute piri piri sauce for the pimenta moida? How much piri piri? Thanks
4 Years ago, Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
I would start with a tablespoon and adjust as you go to taste.
4 Years ago, Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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