Imagine a dish so irresistible that it transports you straight to the coastal regions of Italy with just one bite. Our Mussels in Garlic Butter recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your seafood experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Packed with rich, buttery flavors and a hint of zesty lemon, this quick and elegant dish will make you feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mussels
- Butter
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Clean the mussels thoroughly by scrubbing the shells under cold running water. Remove any beards or debris. Discard any mussels with cracked shells or that do not close when tapped.
- Finely mince the garlic cloves and chop fresh parsley. Set aside.
- In a large, wide skillet or pot with a lid, melt butter over medium heat until it starts to foam slightly.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add cleaned mussels to the skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mussels and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until all mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the mussels.
- Transfer mussels and garlic butter sauce to a serving dish. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Always buy fresh mussels from a reputable fishmonger and use them on the same day of purchase.
- When cleaning mussels, ensure you discard any that are already open and don't close when tapped - this indicates they're no longer fresh.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can turn bitter and ruin the delicate flavor of the dish.
- Use a wide skillet to ensure mussels cook evenly and have enough space to open.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the mussels at their peak tenderness and flavor.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 100mg
