Lemon Garlic Butter Mussels Recipe
Introduction
Mussels in lemon garlic-butter sauce is a delightful seafood dish bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. This recipe features tender mussels steamed in a rich, tangy sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup fresh cream (whipping cream)
- 450 grams (1 pound) half shell mussels
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the butter in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, and chili flakes, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer until it reduces by about two thirds. Then, add the fresh cream and continue to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Add the half shell mussels to the skillet and cover with the lid. Steam the mussels over low heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and open.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the lemon juice, finely grated lemon zest, and chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh mussels and discard any that do not open during cooking for the best flavor and safety.
- Substitute fresh cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free twist that adds a subtle sweetness.
- Add a splash of extra lemon juice or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the depth of flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover mussels and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the mussels. Avoid reheating in a microwave as it may dry them out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mussels for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen mussels, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid diluting the sauce.
What can I serve with mussels in lemon garlic-butter sauce?
This dish pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, steamed rice, or a simple green salad for a light meal.
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Lemon Garlic Butter Mussels Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Mussels in Lemon Garlic-Butter Sauce recipe features succulent half-shell mussels steamed in a rich, tangy sauce made from butter, white wine, fresh cream, garlic, chili flakes, and fresh lemon zest and juice. It’s an elegant yet simple seafood dish perfect as an appetizer or main course, showcasing the delicate briny flavor of mussels enhanced by aromatic herbs and a creamy citrus sauce.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 450 grams (1 pound) Half Shell Mussels
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Garlic, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes
- 1 cup Dry White Wine
- 1 cup Fresh Cream (whipping cream)
- 1 Lemon, juice and zest
- 1/2 cup Parsley, chopped
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, and chili flakes. Sauté gently until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing the flavors without browning, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce Wine and Add Cream: Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer uncovered, reducing the liquid by about two-thirds. Stir occasionally to meld flavors. Once reduced, add the fresh cream to the skillet and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Cook Mussels: Add the half-shell mussels to the skillet, spreading them evenly. Cover with the lid and steam over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mussels have opened and are cooked through. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely grated lemon zest, and chopped parsley evenly throughout. Serve immediately with the sauce spooned over the mussels.
Notes
- Ensure mussels are fresh and cleaned thoroughly, discarding any that are cracked or do not close when tapped.
- You can substitute fresh cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- If desired, serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Adjust chili flakes to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Mussels recipe, lemon garlic butter mussels, seafood in cream sauce, easy mussels, stovetop mussels, shellfish recipe
