Imagine a dish that captures the essence of Thailand's vibrant culinary landscape in just one bite - our Thai Steamed Herbed Mussels are about to revolutionize your seafood experience! Infused with aromatic lemongrass, rich coconut milk, and a zesty lime kick, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary gastronomic journey that will make your dinner guests think you've trained in a Bangkok kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 500g mussels, cleaned
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons Thai herbs (lemongrass, galangal)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly cleaning the mussels under cold running water. Scrub the shells with a brush to remove any dirt or debris. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the coconut milk, minced garlic, fish sauce, and Thai herbs (lemongrass and galangal). Stir well to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Place the cleaned mussels into the pot with the coconut milk mixture. Ensure that the mussels are evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
- Cover the pot with a lid and place it over medium heat. Allow the mussels to steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shells have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking.
- Once the mussels are cooked, carefully remove the pot from the heat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mussels to serving bowls, ensuring to include some of the fragrant coconut broth.
- Garnish the mussels with lime wedges for a fresh burst of flavor. Squeeze the lime juice over the mussels just before serving.
- Serve the Thai steamed herbed mussels warm, accompanied by crusty bread or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious coconut broth.
Tips
- Mussel Freshness is Key: Always purchase mussels from a reputable fishmonger and use them on the same day. Fresh mussels should have tightly closed shells and smell like the ocean, not fishy.
- Cleaning Technique: Spend extra time scrubbing the mussel shells and remove any beard-like strands. This ensures a clean, grit-free dining experience.
- Herb Intensity: If fresh Thai herbs are hard to find, you can substitute with dried herbs, but the flavor will be less vibrant. Consider growing a small herb garden for the most authentic taste.
- Heat Management: Steam the mussels gently. High heat can make them tough and rubbery. Medium heat ensures tender, perfectly cooked shellfish.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with jasmine rice or crusty bread to soak up the luxurious coconut broth. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
