Description
Drunken Mussels is a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish where fresh mussels are steamed in a savory broth of butter, shallots, garlic, spices, vegetable broth, and lemon juice. The mussels open up to soak in the aromatic liquid, creating a perfect combination to enjoy with crusty bread and lemon slices.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 pounds mussels
Aromatics & Spices
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 shallot, finely sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Liquids
- 1½ cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice mixed with water (¼ cup lemon juice + ¼ cup water)
Herbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Crusty bread
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Clean the mussels: Place mussels in a colander and scrub them thoroughly under running water using a scrub brush or butter knife. Remove any beards or tags by pulling them off. Transfer the cleaned mussels to a separate bowl.
- Melt the butter: In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt the butter. Wait until it bubbles gently before proceeding.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the finely sliced shallot and minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add spices: Stir in the red pepper flakes, ground black pepper, and lemon zest. Continue stirring for another 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Pour liquids and bring to boil: Add the vegetable broth and the lemon juice mixed with water into the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Steam the mussels: Reduce the heat to low, add the mussels to the pot, and stir them gently. Cover the pot with a lid and let steam for 1 minute.
- Cook and monitor mussels: Stir the mussels once more, cover the pot again, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Watch closely to check if the shells are opening. Continue to cook for another 1 to 3 minutes until all mussel shells have opened fully.
- Finish with fresh parsley: Remove the pot from heat, add the chopped fresh parsley, and stir to incorporate the herb into the sauce.
- Serve: Divide the mussels and broth into two bowls. Serve immediately with toasted crusty bread and lemon slices to complement the rich, tangy flavors.
Notes
- Discard any mussels that do not open after cooking, as they may not be safe to eat.
- Serving with crusty bread helps soak up the delicious broth.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with seafood broth or white wine for a different depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
