Steamed Green-Lipped Mussels with Garlic and White Wine
In short: Large green-lipped mussels steamed open in garlic, butter and white wine, finished with lemon and parsley for a fast seafood starter. It takes about 27 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Total
- 27 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 245 kcal
New Zealand's green-lipped mussels are plump and sweet, farmed in sheltered waters such as the Marlborough Sounds and sold in the shell by the kilo. Steaming them open in garlic, butter and white wine takes less than 10 minutes and leaves a fragrant broth to drink from the shell. The mussels are large, so 1.5 kg is plenty for four as a starter.
Instructions
- Scrub the mussels under cold running water and pull off the hairy beards. Discard any with cracked shells, and any open ones that do not close when tapped.
- Heat the oil and butter in a large pot with a lid over medium heat. Cook the shallot, garlic and chili for 2 minutes until soft but not browned.
- Pour in the wine and boil for 1 minute.
- Add the mussels, cover and steam over high heat for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking the pot once or twice, until the shells open.
- Discard any mussels that stay closed. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve in warm bowls with the broth spooned over and lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
- Buy mussels the day you cook them and keep them in the fridge in an open bowl under a damp cloth, never in water or a sealed bag.
- Blue mussels can replace green-lipped mussels. They are smaller and open in 3 to 4 minutes, so check them early.
Questions and answers
How do I know if a mussel is safe to eat?
Before cooking, discard cracked mussels and any open ones that do not close when tapped. After cooking, discard any that have stayed closed.
Can I use frozen mussels?
Yes. Frozen half-shell green-lipped mussels can be thawed and heated in the garlic-wine broth for 5 to 8 minutes, until hot through.
What goes well with steamed mussels?
Crusty bread or fries for dipping in the broth, and a green salad. A chilled dry white wine suits them.
How long does it take to make Steamed Green-Lipped Mussels with Garlic and White Wine?
About 27 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Steamed Green-Lipped Mussels with Garlic and White Wine?
About 245 kcal per serving, with 17 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 245 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
