Learn how to cook mussels like a pro chef

No need to put in muscle to cook mussels. Just follow our easy tips and learn how to cook mussels like a pro chef.

Cooking mussels like a pro chef means knowing how to cook mussels with confidence. Not sure how to prepare mussels? No idea how to cook mussels in the oven? Not to worry, we will share some food ideas to get you started. 

Following these tips will help you to learn more about how to cook mussels and show you how to cook mussels like a professional. There are so many recipes for mussels. Check out this recipe for mussels in marinara sauce. 

Now, let's tuck into some mussels!

How to choose mussels

The mussels you purchase at the seafood counter should be alive. To make sure you are purchasing live mussels, it is crucial to look for specific signs. Mussels spoil quickly after they have died. 

• Mussels should be kept on ice at the market and have shiny, wet shells. They frequently arrive in mesh bags with tags identifying the harvest site, the date of harvest, and the use-by date. You can ask the fishmonger or store personnel to show you the tag if the mussels are loose in the case.
• Use your nose as a guide. Mussels should have a briny, fresh scent similar to the ocean and sea air. They shouldn't have a strong fishy odour.
• The shells ought to be shut firmly. If you discover any mussels in your bag that have open shells, tap them lightly on the counter, give them a moment, and then check to see if they close. Mussels with cracked or chipped shells should also be discarded.
• Take your mussels home from the store in a bag with an open top so they can breathe. They run the risk of suffocating and spoiling if they are tightly tied up in a plastic bag without air circulation.

How to store mussels 

If you want to cook your mussels on a different day, here are some tips on how to store mussels:

• When keeping mussels, you ought to take them out of the bag you bought them in and place them loosely in a bowl (or in a mesh bag) so they can breathe.
• Put a wet towel or cloth over them.
• Refrigerate them between 1 and 4 Degrees Celsius.
• Mussels won't survive if they are kept in water or a closed container. They can be kept chilled in ice cube trays, but you must have a drainage system in place to prevent the mussels from drowning when the ice melts.
• Any mussels that are only partially open and don't close when tapped should be discarded.
• Remove any that have an off or "fishy" smell.

How to prepare mussels

The first step in how to cook mussels is to clean them. 

Mussels are tightly closed and alive when you buy them. It’s best to cook them on the day you buy them, though they will keep in the fridge for a few days.

How to clean mussels

There are a few steps to how to prepare mussels: 

• Scrub the mussels
• Throw away any mussels that are open
• Remove the beard (it looks like a bit of hair) by pulling firmly or with scissors.

Now you are ready to cook your mussels.

How long do mussels take to cook? 

When the water is boiling, add your mussels and cover them so they steam. Remove the lid after 5 minutes of cooking to see if they have opened. Reapply the lid and cook for an additional minute if they have not yet opened. Mussels with shells that have not yet opened by now should be thrown away.

How to cook mussels

Here are a few ways to cook mussels. We will cover:

• How to cook frozen mussels
• How to cook mussels in the oven
• How to cook mussels in white wine
• How to cook mussels without wine
• How to cook mussels without shell

How to cook frozen mussels

Frozen mussels can be cooked from frozen by using steam. Just add some water, butter, garlic, shallots, and cover the pot. Cook your mussels on a medium heat for a few minutes.

Add some oil and simmer for a few more minutes, checking that the shells have opened. Throw away any shells that remain closed.

To serve the mussels as a main course, pair them with some vodka pasta and some crusty garlic bread. Have a mojito and enjoy your meal.

How to cook mussels in the oven

Putting the mussels in a roasting pan gives them space to cook evenly. Add oil, shallots, chopped garlic and the mussels to the roasting pan and cover with foil. Cook them in a hot oven for about 15 minutes.

Have a long island iced tea whilst you are waiting for it to cook. Present your meal at the dinner table and enjoy it with a potato, bacon and leek soup.

How to cook mussels in white wine

Add white wine and chopped shallots into a pan and cook until softened. Add the mussels. Cover the pan and cook on high heat for 3-4 minutes so they steam and till the shells have opened. Serve in a bowl with the juices and a sprinkling of parsley.

For a great main course following the mussels, try this juicy and tasty flank meat recipe. It would be delicious served with the easiest homemade scalloped potatoes and a side of broccolini.

How to cook mussels without wine

If you would rather not use wine to cook the mussels you can substitute the wine for:

• Chicken stock
• Fish stock
• Water and lemon
• Passata

How to cook mussels without shell

When mussels don't have their shells they are still quick to prepare. A great method of how to cook mussels with garlic butter especially is by pan frying.

Just cook the mussels with butter, garlic and shallots till the mussels are caramelised.

This would taste great with homemade bread for a family-sharing starter. Why not follow it up with chicken stroganoff and fluffy basmati rice? Then have a refreshing lemon tart for dessert.  

Recipes from mussels

Here are some recipe suggestions for dishes that are great with mussels:

• Steamed mussels in a white wine broth
• Classic French mussels
• Mussels with chorizo and tomatoes on toast
• Mussels with fennel and lovage
• Mussels in lemon, garlic and butter sauce