Mussels are found all over the world and they work well with a versatile list how long do i cook mussels ingredients from classic creamy French sauces to vibrant spicy curries. Like all shellfish, mussels need to be eaten exceptionally fresh and do need a bit of washing and preparation before cooking.
Once you’ve mastered the skills, check out our mussels recipe collection for more delicious inspiration. You can buy mussels already cooked and vacuum-packed in a sauce, or cooked and frozen. What we’re talking about here are fresh mussels. Mussels must be alive to ensure their freshness and their shells should be closed to make sure they are alive.
If any are open, they should close when tapped or squeezed. When looking at a big batch in the fishmongers, avoid buying them if lots are open. They should smell pleasantly of the sea, avoid any that smell fishy. If there is a choice, always choose smaller mussels over larger ones, as smaller ones are sweeter and more succulent.
If you’re adding mussels to a dish with other seafood or with pasta, then a large handful or two per person will be enough. If mussels are the main part of the recipe as in a bowl of steamed mussels then you’ll need about 500g per person. Ideally, you want to prepare and cook the mussels as soon after buying as possible, but as long as they’re fresh they will keep overnight and for up to a day. Store them in a dry bowl or container covered with a damp tea towel. Never cover with a lid or clingfilm as they will suffocate.
Rinse them under cold running water, tossing them over with your hands to give any that may have opened a chance to close. Scrub away any barnicles if you want, but this isn’t essential. Not all muscles have beards so if you can’t find one, don’t worry. If the mussels are open, give them a squeeze and discard any that remain open or any with a broken shell. It’s best to store, then prepare the mussels before cooking, rather then prepare and store ready for cooking.