How to Cook Black Mussels
Black mussels are a popular dish for seafood lovers. Known for their health benefits, ease of cooking, and flavor, it’s no wonder these delicious morsels have grown in popularity! Below you will find tips on how to prepare mussels, and the difference between black mussels and green mussels.
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 pounds black mussels
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and chopped
- 2 shallots sliced thin (optional)
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- lemon wedges for serving
- Baguette or other crusty bread
Instructions
- Place the mussels in a large colander or sieve. Under cold running water, thoroughly rinse and scrub them clean to remove any dirt or debris (see note).
- Have all your ingredients ready, as the mussels cook quickly.
- Place a 6-quart pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat. Add the butter, garlic and shallot, sautéing 30 seconds or just until fragrant.
- Add the white wine and broth. Then gently dump the mussels into the pot and cover with the lid. Cook only until the mussels have opened, about 5 to 7 minutes depending on how long it takes to come to a boil. (Do not cook longer or the mussels will become rubbery.) Note: Always discard any mussels that have not opened by this point.
- Remove the lid and sprinkle with parsley plus salt and pepper. Transfer the mussels including the broth to a large serving platter or shallow bowl.
- Serve hot with fresh lemon and pieces of bread to soak up the broth.
Notes
- How to Store Black Mussels: Store mussels in a colander in the fridge with a bowl underneath to catch any water seepage. Cover the bowl with a damp dish towel. They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator depending on how fresh they were to begin with. Always ask your fishmonger when the mussels were harvested (ideally within one week of sale).
- How to Clean Mussels: Pick through the mussels one-by-one, discarding any with chipped or cracked shells. If you encounter a “beard” sticking out of the shell, remove by gripping and pulling on it while holding the mussel shell in place using a kitchen towel. Finally, use a scrub brush to remove any leftover sand from the surface of the mussels under cold running water.