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

Scale

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