Mussels in a Garlicky Lemon Herb Butter Sauce
Discover the delightful flavors of moules marinières with this exquisite recipe featuring fresh mussels bathed in a rich and zesty lemon herb butter sauce. The combination of aromatic garlic, vibrant herbs, and a splash of white wine creates a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. Serve alongside crispy frites and a dollop of creamy mayonnaise, or enjoy over a bed of pasta, allowing every bit to soak up the luscious sauce. Don’t forget some crusty bread to savor the last drops of this decadent meal!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Vidalia onion
1 cup (diced)
Chili pepper
1 (sliced in half)
Bay leaf
1 (None)
Garlic cloves
8 (minced)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Tarragon
1 tablespoon (rough chopped)
Oregano
1 tablespoon (rough chopped)
Thyme
1 tablespoon (rough chopped)
Lemon
1 (juice of)
White wine
1/2 cup (None)
Mussels
2.5 lbs (scrubbed, discard any that are not alive)
Butter
3 tablespoons (None)
Fresh herb
to garnish (None)
Lemon slice
to garnish (None)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the diced Vidalia onion, sliced chili pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3
Stir in the bay leaf, fresh parsley, tarragon, oregano, thyme, lemon juice, and white wine. Increase the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
4
Add the scrubbed mussels to the pan, making sure they are evenly distributed. Cover the pan with a lid and steam the mussels for about 5 minutes, or until they have opened up completely. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
5
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the opened mussels to a large serving bowl, leaving the cooking liquid in the pan.
6
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the butter into the fragrant cooking liquid until melted and emulsified. Pour this rich sauce over the mussels.
7
Garnish the dish with additional fresh herbs and lemon slices before serving, ensuring a vibrant presentation.
Nutrition Information
6.25
Fat
12.5
Carbs
8.75
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The main dish is Mussels in a Garlicky Lemon Herb Butter Sauce, a variation of moules marinières.
How many mussels do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2.5 lbs of mussels, scrubbed and with any dead ones discarded.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of diced Vidalia onion.
How much garlic is included in this dish?
This recipe uses 8 minced garlic cloves for a robust flavor.
Which fresh herbs are used to flavor the sauce?
The sauce is flavored with fresh parsley, tarragon, oregano, and thyme.
Is there alcohol in the mussels sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of white wine to help create the steaming liquid.
How long should I steam the mussels?
The mussels should be steamed for about 5 minutes, or until they have opened completely.
What should I do if some mussels do not open?
You must discard any mussels that remain closed after the steaming process.
How is the butter incorporated into the sauce?
After removing the mussels, whisk 3 tablespoons of butter into the cooking liquid over low heat until melted and emulsified.
What are the suggested side dishes for these mussels?
The recipe suggests serving them with crispy frites and mayonnaise, or over a bed of pasta.
Is a specific oil recommended for sautéing?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil are used to sauté the aromatics.
Does this recipe have a spicy kick?
Yes, it includes one sliced chili pepper for added heat.
What is the calorie count per serving?
The recipe contains approximately 150 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this mussel dish?
Each serving provides about 8.75 grams of protein.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The dish contains 6.25 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 12.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What preparation is needed for the chili pepper?
The chili pepper should be sliced in half before being added to the pan.
How long do I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the onions, chili, and garlic for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are soft.
When is the lemon juice added?
The lemon juice is added along with the wine and herbs before the mussels are put in the pan.
Is there a bay leaf in the recipe?
Yes, one bay leaf is stirred into the aromatic mixture before steaming.
What tool is recommended for removing the mussels from the pan?
A slotted spoon is recommended to transfer the mussels while leaving the liquid in the pan.
How should I garnish the finished dish?
Garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon slices for a vibrant presentation.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A large skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan with a lid is ideal.
Can I use this sauce for dipping bread?
Yes, crusty bread is highly recommended for savoring every drop of the decadent sauce.
How many fresh herbs are needed for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon each of parsley, tarragon, oregano, and thyme.
Is this considered an easy dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a cozy meal.
What culinary traditions influenced this recipe?
The recipe has French and Belgian culinary influences, specifically moules marinières.
What preparation is needed for the tarragon and oregano?
Both the tarragon and oregano should be roughly chopped.
Does this recipe include any sugar or fiber?
The provided nutritional information lists fiber and sugar as null.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 15 ingredients listed for this mussels recipe.