Spicy Chinese-Style Mussel Stir-fry
Delicious Chinese-Style Spicy Mussel Stir-fry Recipe You Can Make at Home
Mussels are packed with nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Try making this flavorful, spicy Chinese-style stir-fry using fresh mussels that will awaken your appetite. It’s simple yet elegant, perfect as a side dish or a delightful appetizer to pair with drinks. The harmony of the mussels’ fresh taste and the sweet and spicy sauce is simply exquisite!
Main Ingredients- 600g fresh mussels
- 1 stalk of green onion
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 green chili pepper (e.g., Cheongyang pepper for extra heat)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the mussels thoroughly. Remove any dirt attached to the shells. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped, as they may be spoiled.
Step 2
Wash the green onion and slice it diagonally (on the bias). Slicing it this way helps the sauce adhere evenly and improves the texture.
Step 3
Wash the red and green chili peppers, remove the seeds, and slice them diagonally, similar to the green onion. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add more green chili peppers.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp of cornstarch with 2 Tbsp of water. Whisk until smooth to create a cornstarch slurry. This will be used at the end to thicken the sauce.
Step 5
Heat 4 Tbsp of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and the sliced green onion. Stir-fry until fragrant, allowing the garlic and green onion flavors to infuse into the oil.
Step 6
Once the green onion becomes translucent and fragrant, add 2 Tbsp of chili bean paste (Doubanjiang) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds to enhance its flavor. Then, pour in 300ml of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Step 7
When the sauce comes to a boil, add all the cleaned mussels. Cover the pan and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. The fresh liquid released from the cooking mussels will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce.
Step 8
Once all the mussels are open and cooked, stir in 1 Tbsp of oyster sauce, 1 Tbsp of sugar, and a pinch of ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference.
Step 9
Finally, add the sliced red and green chili peppers. Gradually pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Be careful not to add too much slurry at once, as it can make the sauce too gummy. Stir-frying everything together until well combined will result in a delicious spicy mussel stir-fry. Enjoy!
