12 Ways to Eat More Mussels

Don't fear the sleek bivalve

By June 07, 2018

Sussman Beer Mussels
Matt Taylor-Gross

With smoother and darker shells than their clam and scallop brethren, mussels are on the richer, meatier spectrum of bivalves; they’re best when cooked simply (and quickly!) with a bright pop of acidity or spice. While they’re often prepared with white wine and served with fries in the popular Belgian dish moules-frites, mussels are endlessly adaptable. Here are 10 dishes to back that statement.

Mussels with Coconut Sweet Chili Broth

Get the recipe for Mussels with Coconut Sweet Chili Broth »

Mussels with Herbed Vinaigrette (Moules Vinaigrette)

Some fresh herbs are all you need for these French mussels, which come from Langon, France.
Get the recipe for Mussels with Herbed Vinaigrette (Moules Vinaigrette) »

Garifuna Style Seafood Soup (Iraü Lau Juyeirugu)

Fresh basil, oregano, and sage lend their fragrance to this hearty soup loaded with five different types of seafood. Get the recipe for Garifuna Style Seafood Soup (Iraü Lau Juyeirugu) »

Mussels with Pale Ale and Spicy Aïoli

Mussels with Pale Ale and Spicy Aïoli

Smita Chandra’s Malabar Mussels

Dishes from the south Indian state of Kerala, along the Malabar Coast, are heavily influenced by the area’s abundant supply of seafood. In this Anglo-Indian recipe from cookbook author and cooking instructor Smita Chandra, mussels gathered from local waters are cooked with tomatoes in a richly spiced coconut broth.

Mussels Tostada with Russian Salad and Chipotle Mayonnaise

Mussels Tostada with Russian Salad and Chipotle Mayonnaise

Mussels with Tomatoes and White Beans

You’ll want some crusty bread to sop up all the broth. Get the recipe for Mussels with Tomatoes and White Beans »

Stuffed Mussels (Cozze al Pomodoro)

Thyme and white wine bring out the sweet flavor of mussels in this classic dish.

Clams and Mussels with Spicy Pork Sausage Broth

This version of a classic New England clambake cooks the shellfish—both topneck clams and mussels—separately from the potatoes so that their briny juices don’t get lost in the boiling liquid. Get the recipe for Clams and Mussels with Spicy Pork Sausage Broth »

Mediterranean Mussel and Chickpea Soup with Fennel and Lemon

Light enough for a summer dish, this terrific soup is also delicious in the winter months made with Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) mussels instead.

Curried Mussels

Curry powder and cilantro add zest to classic white wine-steamed mussels. Get the recipe for Curried Mussels »
This version of Billi Bi, a famed French mussel soup, comes from cookbook author Andrea Reusing

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