Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam with this mind-blowing Grilled Mussels with Hot Fish Sauce recipe. Imagine succulent, perfectly charred mussels dripping with a spicy, aromatic sauce that promises to awaken every single one of your senses. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or an adventurous home cook looking to impress, this dish is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mussels
- Hot fish sauce
- Garlic
- Chili peppers
- Lime
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Begin by cleaning the mussels. Rinse them under cold running water to remove any sand or debris. Scrub the shells with a brush if necessary and remove any beards by pulling them away from the shell.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the mussels cook evenly and develop a nice char.
- While the grill is heating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the hot fish sauce with minced garlic and finely chopped chili peppers. Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference.
- Once the sauce is mixed, set it aside to allow the flavors to meld together while you prepare the mussels.
- Arrange the cleaned mussels on a large, heatproof platter or directly on the grill grates. Make sure they are placed in a single layer for even cooking.
- Drizzle the prepared hot fish sauce mixture generously over the mussels. Use a brush or spoon to ensure that each mussel is well-coated.
- Place the platter with the mussels on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the mussels have opened up. Discard any mussels that do not open.
- While the mussels are grilling, prepare the garnish. Chop fresh cilantro and cut lime into wedges.
- Once the mussels are cooked, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mussels and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for added freshness.
- Serve the grilled mussels hot, with any remaining hot fish sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Vietnamese-style grilled mussels!
Tips
- Freshness is Key: Always use fresh, live mussels. Before cooking, ensure they have tightly closed shells or close when tapped. Discard any mussels with cracked shells or that remain open.
- Cleaning Technique: Thoroughly rinse mussels under cold water and remove any beards. A clean mussel ensures a pure, delicious flavor.
- Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain a medium-high heat around 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking. Too low, and they won't char; too high, and they'll burn.
- Sauce Customization: Adjust the chili pepper quantity to match your spice tolerance. Start conservatively and increase heat levels in future attempts.
- Cooking Time is Crucial: Watch mussels carefully. They're done when shells open completely, typically 10-12 minutes. Discard any that don't open.
- Serve Immediately: Grilled mussels are best enjoyed hot, right off the grill. The moment they're plated with fresh cilantro and lime, they're ready to be devoured.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 239kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 50mg
