Chewy and Exquisite Braised Mussels
A Special Mussel Dish that Evokes Memories
My mom used to make this delicious braised mussels dish for me when I felt low on energy. Now, I make it whenever I miss her. The chewy texture of the mussels combined with the rich broth is exceptional. This recipe for exquisite braised mussels is perfect as a side dish for rice or as a delightful accompaniment to drinks.
Main Ingredients- Beef: 1 handful (approx. 100g)
- Mussels: 1 handful (dried, approx. 50g)
Seasoning Ingredients- Soy sauce: 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic: 1 Tbsp
- Corn syrup or honey: 2 Tbsp
- Black pepper: a pinch
- Sesame oil: 1 Tbsp
- Chopped green onion: 2 Tbsp
- Water: 6 Tbsp (for a 1:3 soy sauce to water ratio)
- Garlic slices: 3-4 cloves
- Soy sauce: 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic: 1 Tbsp
- Corn syrup or honey: 2 Tbsp
- Black pepper: a pinch
- Sesame oil: 1 Tbsp
- Chopped green onion: 2 Tbsp
- Water: 6 Tbsp (for a 1:3 soy sauce to water ratio)
- Garlic slices: 3-4 cloves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the beef for marination. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Add 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, a little soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. This marination process will make the beef tender and enhance its savory flavor.
Step 2
If using dried mussels, soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour until fully rehydrated. Rinse them multiple times during soaking to remove any impurities and the characteristic fishy odor. Drain the cleaned mussels thoroughly in a sieve.
Step 3
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the marinated beef. Stir-fry quickly until the beef is browned and fragrant. Once cooked, set the beef aside in a separate bowl.
Step 4
In another pan, combine 6 Tbsp of water (about 1/3 cup), 3 Tbsp of soy sauce, 2 Tbsp of corn syrup or honey, 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic, the sliced garlic cloves, and a pinch of black pepper. Maintaining a 1:3 ratio of soy sauce to water ensures a balanced flavor that isn’t too salty.
Step 5
Once the seasoning mixture comes to a boil, add the rehydrated mussels. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mussels simmer and absorb the flavors for about 3-5 minutes, or until they open and become slightly chewy. Be careful not to overcook.
Step 6
When the mussels have simmered sufficiently, add the stir-fried beef back into the pan. Continue to simmer gently for a short while, allowing the beef to meld with the sauce and mussels. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 7
Finally, just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. Sprinkle with 2 Tbsp of chopped green onion and sesame seeds to finish. The nutty aroma of sesame oil and the fresh scent of green onions will add another layer of deliciousness. Enjoy your chewy and exquisite braised mussels!
