How to Cook Mussels in Minutes!

Learn about mussels nutrition & try these 3 easy mussel recipes

This blog post is sponsored by my client: Canada’s Food Island   

Did you know that Prince Edward Island, Canada’s Food Island provides over 80% of the mussels in Canada? They are world renowned, one of the most sustainable seafood AND surprisingly not complicated to make!   

Take the mystery out of how to cook this tasty seafood for a simple weekday meal or fancy but easy appetizer. Keep reading for 3 simple recipes to prepare mussels in minutes. 

Fun Facts About Mussels 

Prince Edward Island, Canada’s Food Island provides over 80% of Canadian mussels. 
 
I travelled to PEI this past summer and love seeing how PEI mussels are produced. PEI mussels start sustainable with mussel seeds grown in mesh socks on collector ropes suspended in the ocean known as longline system. It takes approximately 16-24 months for mussels to grow to market size. 
 
They are world renowned and a North American favorite and one of the world’s most sustainable foods. The PEI mussel industry is a shining example how nutritious and delicious food can be produced and harvested in a sustainable way. 

How to Cook Mussels

3 Tasty Mussel Recipes 

Mussels are great in a broth served with a crusty piece of bread, in a soup, pasta, rice bowl or salad. 
 
Here are 3 simple ways to prepare mussels in minutes:

1. Island Steamed Mussels Recipe

• In a large saucepan sauté 1 small onion chopped fine, 2 cloves minced garlic in 2 tbsp oil.  Add 2 pounds of fresh PEI Mussels and 1 cup white wine or chicken broth.
• Cover and cook 5-7 minutes or until the shells open. Discard any mussels that don’t open up. 
• Serve garnished with parsley and crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

2. Mussels with Gnocchi Recipe

• Combine ½ cup white wine or broth with ½ cup water in a large pot on the stove over high heat and add 2 pounds of PEI Mussels and cover.  Cook until mussels open and steam is pouring out from under the lid. Strain cooking liquid in a sieve and set aside. 
• Meanwhile sauté 2 tbsp oil with 2 cloves finely chopped garlic and ½ tsp saffron threads, ½ tsp chili flakes, salt and pepper.  Add reserved cooking liquid and 1 cup passata (strained then pureed tomatoes) and simmer for 10 minutes. 
• Cook gnocchi according to the package direction and toss into the sauce and serve topped with reserved mussels in their shell and chopped parsley or basil. 
• Serve with a tossed side salad to make it a balanced meal. 

3. Thai Coconut Mussels Recipe

• In a bowl combine 1 can coconut milk, ½ cup diced red pepper, 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, zest from a ½ a fresh lime, 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice, ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro, sriracha, salt. 
• Add half of this mixture to a large stainless pot along with 3 lbs rinsed PEI Mussels and steam on high heat 3-4 minutes or until all mussels have opened. 
• Transfer mussels to a serving dish and cover to keep warm. 
• Return pot and coconut mixture to the stove. In a separate small bowl whisk together 2 tbsp cornstarch thinned with a little water and then add to the pot and stir to thicken. 
• Pour coconut mixture over mussels.  Garnish with fresh cilantro, coconut and fresh lime. 
• Serve with rice and veggies for a complete meal. 

More About Cooking Mussels

Looking for more information on how to cook mussels, mussels nutrition and more tips on preparing and cooking mussels?  Check out Canadasfoodisland.ca.

You can also purchase a copy of the Canada Food Island Cookbook available on Amazon here.  

Join The Social Shell to Shellebrate PEI Mussels and get great tips, hacks, where to buy and recipes at TheSocialShell.com   

Check out more seafood recipes on the blog here: