Delight in the ocean's bounty with this irresistible steamed mussels recipe, bathed in a luscious white wine sauce and zesty lemon. Perfect for an elegant dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, these lemon garlic mussels are a true testament to Italian seafood cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 pounds fresh mussels, scr믭 and debearded
1 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 lemon, zest and juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Begin by preparing the mussels. Rinse them under cold running water, making sure to scrub the shells to remove any sand or debris. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the white wine and add the zest and juice of the lemon. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 5 minutes.
Next, add the cleaned mussels to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the sauce. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
Steam the mussels for 5-7 minutes. They are done when the shells have fully opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking.
Once cooked, sprinkle the fresh parsley over the mussels and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the steamed mussels immediately, using a slotted spoon to transfer them to bowls, and ladle the white wine sauce over the top.
