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Mussels in white wine sauce
4.9 from 192 votes

Mussels in white wine sauce

Mussels steamed in a garlic and white wine sauce combine aroma and flavor with fresh herbs and lemon juice. The cooking method ensures the mussels open gently, releasing their briny juices into a buttery broth. The dish is commonly served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, making a satisfying appetizer or light main course with tender mussels enhanced by the bright and herbal notes.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Appetizer
Cuisine: European, French, International

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs mussels
  • 4 tablespoons butter 2 oz
  • 6 garlic minced or finely sliced, cloves
  • 2 shallots finely chopped, small
  • 6 parsley sprigs
  • 6 thyme fresh, sprigs
  • 2 bay leaf
  • 1 cup white wine 250 ml
  • lemon juice of 1
  • 2-3 tablespoons parsley chopped
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
To serve:
  • bread garlic bread or your choice of bread/baguette

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse the mussels thoroughly and remove the beards.
  2. In a large saucepan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the shallots and garlic, cook until the shallots are transparent and soft, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add the mussels and stir well. Next add the herbs and the white wine. Bring the liquid to a boil. Cover the pan and steam mussels over high temperature for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the mussels start to open – exact time will vary depending on the size of mussels and each stove.
  4. Once the mussel shells open up, turn off the heat, add the lemon juice, salt/pepper, and additional chopped parsley. Gently stir the mussels from bottom to top so that the sauce and parsley can uniformly spread into all the mussels. If desired you can remove the herbs sprigs and bay leaves.
  5. Remove the mussels that are still closed. Some mussels partially open, which is fine. You will just need to work harder to open & enjoy these ones. Serve the mussels in large soup plates or bowls. Enjoy the mussels with slices of baguette, plain or toasted/grilled with garlic.
  6. This dish can be accompanied with white wine, based on your preference. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Viognier types are good ideas. A salad may also be part of the meal.