Spicy Steamed Mussels
Say Goodbye to Greasiness with Spicy Steamed Mussels!
Tired of heavy, greasy meals? Banish that feeling with these vibrant and flavorful Spicy Steamed Mussels! This dish is a perfect palate cleanser, offering a delightful kick of spice that balances beautifully with the sweet, briny flavor of fresh mussels. The aromatic broth, infused with a savory and slightly tangy sauce, is as delightful as the succulent mussels themselves. Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal or a vibrant appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Main Ingredients- Fresh Mussels (generous amount)
- Cooking Sake or Mirin 2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s tackle cleaning the mussels, which is the most crucial step! Put on a pair of sturdy rubber gloves and vigorously scrub the outer surface of each mussel shell. Rinse them under running water multiple times, scrubbing away any mud or debris clinging to the shells until they are completely clean.
Step 2
Next, carefully remove the ‘beard’ or byssus threads – those stringy bits that look like a net – from the side of the mussel shells, just like in the photo. Grasp them firmly and pull them away. Once this is done, your mussels will be impeccably clean.
Step 3
Lightly pat the cleaned mussels dry to remove excess water. Arrange them neatly in a steamer basket. Once your steamer is ready with boiling water, place the mussels inside and prepare to steam them for about 20 minutes.
Step 4
Cover the steamer with a lid and wait for the mussels to cook. You’ll see steam gently escaping from the edges, a sure sign that they’re cooking beautifully and might start to feel hungry!
Step 5
As they cook, the mussels will begin to open their shells, one by one. It’s as if they’re saying, ‘I’m ready to be eaten!’ Seeing them open wide like this will surely whet your appetite.
Step 6
Wow! Since these mussels are in season, they are plump and full of meat. The shells are packed with fresh, succulent mussel meat, looking incredibly appetizing.
Step 7
While the mussels are steaming, let’s whip up the flavorful sauce! This is the spicy kick you need to cut through any richness from holiday meals. In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp of Mirin, 2 Tbsp of Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp of bright Lemon Juice, and ½ Tbsp of Minced Garlic. Add the 2 finely chopped Dried Red Chilies and 2 thinly sliced Cheongyang Peppers. Finally, stir in ½ Tbsp of Sake to eliminate any potential fishy odor from the mussels. Mix everything well, and your delicious spicy sauce is ready!
Step 8
Carefully remove the steamed, open mussels from the steamer. Gently separate and discard one half of each mussel shell. This makes it much easier to ladle the sauce over the remaining mussels.
Step 9
Place the mussels back into the steamer basket, arranging them neatly in layers. Generously spoon the prepared spicy sauce over the mussels, ensuring it coats them evenly. It’s important to distribute the sauce well so it can permeate every mussel.
Step 10
While simply saucing them is delicious, we’ll steam them for a little longer to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This brief steaming step allows the sauce to truly infuse into the mussels.
Step 11
Cover the steamer again and steam for just a short while, about 5 minutes, until you see a burst of steam. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the mussels tough. And voilà! Your mouthwatering Spicy Steamed Mussels are perfectly done!
Step 12
As the steam gently rises from the mussels, you’ll be greeted by a tantalizing aroma. The rich, oceanic essence of the mussels combines with the savory, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce, creating an irresistible fragrance that truly awakens the senses. Enjoy this delightful dish and make your mealtime memorable!
