Spicy Garlic Basil Mussels
Dive into a flavorful oceanic delight with our Spicy Garlic Basil Mussels, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. This dish combines succulent mussels with a fiery kick from sambal oelek, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil, all harmoniously brought together in a wine-infused sauce. Perfect as an impressive starter or main dish, the vibrant flavors will transport you to a seaside culinary paradise. Pair it with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh garden salad to soak up the delicious sauce!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sambal oelek
2 tablespoons (None)
garlic cloves
4 (chopped)
coriander root
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (None)
soy sauce
4 tablespoons (None)
mussels
3 lbs (scrubbed, beards removed)
white wine
2 cups (None)
basil leaves
4 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the sambal oelek, chopped garlic, and coriander root. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
3
Pour in the soy sauce and white wine, stirring to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
4
Add the cleaned mussels to the wok, then cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. You should see the mussels start to open up. Discard any mussels that do not open.
5
Once the mussels are fully cooked, stir in the chopped basil and give it a gentle toss.
6
Arrange the mussels on a serving platter or in shallow bowls, drizzling the sauce over them generously. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
7
Serve immediately, accompanied by steamed rice or a refreshing salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Garlic Basil Mussels?
It is a flavorful Southeast Asian-inspired seafood dish featuring mussels cooked in a wine-infused sauce with sambal oelek, garlic, and fresh basil.
How much sambal oelek do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of sambal oelek to provide a fiery kick.
How many garlic cloves are used?
You will need 4 garlic cloves, chopped, for this dish.
What is the role of coriander root in this recipe?
Coriander root provides an aromatic base; you should use 1 tablespoon of finely chopped coriander root.
What type of oil is recommended for cooking?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How much soy sauce is included?
You should use 4 tablespoons of soy sauce.
What quantity of mussels is required?
The recipe specifies 3 lbs of mussels, which should be scrubbed and have the beards removed.
What kind of wine should be used and in what amount?
The recipe uses 2 cups of white wine to create the base of the sauce.
How much basil is used in the dish?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of chopped basil leaves.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 4 garlic cloves should be chopped before being added to the wok.
How should I prepare the coriander root?
The coriander root should be finely chopped.
What preparation is needed for the mussels?
Mussels must be scrubbed clean and have their beards removed prior to cooking.
What is the best way to cook this dish?
It is recommended to use a large wok to stir-fry the aromatics and steam the mussels.
How long should I stir-fry the garlic and sambal oelek?
Stir-fry the sambal oelek, garlic, and coriander root for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and golden.
When do I add the liquid ingredients?
After the aromatics are fragrant, pour in the soy sauce and white wine and bring to a gentle simmer.
How long do the mussels need to cook?
Cover the wok and cook the mussels for 8 to 10 minutes.
How do I know the mussels are cooked?
The mussels are cooked once they start to open up.
What should I do if a mussel does not open?
You should always discard any mussels that do not open after the cooking time.
When is the basil added to the mussels?
Stir in the chopped basil once the mussels are fully cooked.
How should I serve Spicy Garlic Basil Mussels?
Arrange the mussels on a platter, drizzle with the remaining sauce, garnish with more basil, and serve immediately.
What are good side dishes for this recipe?
It is perfect paired with jasmine rice or a fresh garden salad to soak up the sauce.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is suitable for a dinner party.
What category does this recipe fall under?
While categorized loosely as seafood or soup, it is primarily an Asian-inspired main or starter.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features a fiery, aromatic, and savory profile with a balance of spice, garlic, and herbal notes from basil.
Can I use any other oil besides vegetable oil?
While the recipe specifies vegetable oil, other neutral oils with a high smoke point can be used.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include mussels, seafood, spicy, garlic, basil, asian cuisine, and easy recipe.
Does this recipe contain sodium?
Yes, sodium is present particularly from the soy sauce and the mussels themselves.
Is this a good dish for entertaining?
Yes, its vibrant flavors and impressive presentation make it an excellent choice for a dinner party.
How should the heat be set when starting the recipe?
You should heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it is shimmering.