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Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Mussels

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A quick and easy recipe for tender mussels steamed in a buttery garlic lemon sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh mussels
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Clean the mussels by rinsing under cold water, scrubbing shells to remove debris, and discarding any open mussels that do not close when tapped. Soak mussels in cold water for about 10 minutes to release sand and grit.
  2. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and just starting to turn golden, about 1-2 minutes. Avoid burning the garlic.
  3. Pour in the white wine and stir. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to combine.
  4. Add the drained mussels to the pan and cover with a lid. Steam for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until mussels open wide. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking.
  5. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the mussels. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Notes

Keep heat at medium to avoid overcooking mussels which can make them rubbery. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, so sauté gently. Substitute white wine with low-sodium chicken broth or water plus lemon juice if avoiding alcohol. For a dairy-free version, swap butter with olive oil. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: mussels, lemon garlic butter, seafood, easy dinner, quick recipe, shellfish, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/easy-lemon-garlic-butter-mussels-recipe-5-steps-for-perfect-flavor/