Coconut Curry Mussels

There’s something truly special about enjoying a comforting bowl of Coconut Curry Mussels at home, especially when the weather turns chilly. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma of the fragrant spices wafting through the kitchen was enough to draw everyone in! It was an ordinary weeknight, yet I decided to transform it into a mini celebration by treating my family to this delicious seafood dish. Each time I serve it, I’m reminded of that cozy evening, laughter, and full bellies. The combination of the creamy coconut milk and the bold red curry paste elevates the mussels to a whole new level. You might think it’s difficult to prepare, but trust me, it’s incredibly straightforward and a total showstopper at the dinner table.

Everything You Need for Coconut Curry Mussels

When preparing Coconut Curry Mussels, the ingredients are key to pulling off that authentic taste. Each component contributes to the overall flavor profile, combining to create a comforting, creamy, and spicy delight. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – This is your base for sautéing, adding richness to the dish.
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced – The onion brings a sweet, aromatic base to the curry.
• ¼ cup red curry paste – This ingredient is crucial for that signature spicy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh garlic – Garlic adds depth and pungency, enhancing the overall taste.
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger – Ginger provides a warm, zesty kick that complements the curry.
• 1 tablespoon grated lemongrass – This adds a subtle citrusy note, elevating the dish.
• 1 (14 ounce) can full fat coconut milk – The creamy soul of the dish, making it rich and luxurious.
• 2 pounds fresh mussels, cleaned and rinsed – The star of the dish, providing a briny, oceanic flavor.
• 2 tablespoons minced cilantro – A fresh finishing touch that brightens up the entire dish.

Recipe Directions for Coconut Curry Mussels

Let’s get started on creating this delicious dish! The steps below will guide you through the process of making Coconut Curry Mussels with ease. Follow along, and soon you’ll have a beautiful bowl of mussels ready to enjoy.

1. Begin by rinsing the fresh mussels under running water. Check for any mussels that remain open or have cracked shells and discard them. It’s important to ensure you’re only cooking the freshest mussels.
2. In a high-sided 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the onion. Sauté the onion for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft. This step creates a delicious base for the curry.
3. Next, add in the red curry paste, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. Stir everything together for a minute or two, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the oil.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and mix it well with the sautéed ingredients. Lower the heat to medium-low and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. You want to see it bubbling without boiling over.
5. Once the mixture is simmering, add the cleaned mussels into the skillet. Gently stir to incorporate them into the sauce, then cover the skillet with a lid.
6. Steam the mussels for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should begin to open up as they cook. If some haven’t opened after 5 minutes, it’s okay to let them steam a little longer.
7. When all the mussels are opened, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the dish with cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous finish. This not only adds color but also a burst of flavor.
8. Serve your Coconut Curry Mussels hot, with plenty of the delicious sauce to soak up with crusty bread or serve over rice.

Making Adjustments

While the Coconut Curry Mussels recipe is fantastic as-is, here are some tips for adjustments that can enhance your experience:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the mussels.
• Freezing: I recommend not freezing mussels after they’ve been cooked, as they can lose their texture. Instead, enjoy them fresh!
• Pairing: Serve with a side of fresh baguette to soak up the delicious curry sauce.
• Ingredient Variations: Feel free to experiment with the spices; adding a touch of lime juice or fish sauce can add a delightful twist.
• Cooking Method: If you don’t have a skillet, you can prepare this dish in a large pot.
• Fresh Herbs: If you don’t have fresh cilantro, try using fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor.

What to Serve Alongside Coconut Curry Mussels

When it comes to serving Coconut Curry Mussels, there are endless possibilities!

• Steamed Rice: A bed of fluffy steamed rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious curry sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Freshly baked baguette or crusty rolls make for great dipping companions.
• Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness of the mussels.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables can add a nice touch to your meal.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends and family.
• Pairing with Drinks: Enjoy it with a refreshing mocktail or a non-alcoholic beverage to balance the flavors.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Coconut Curry Mussels recipe is a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to a tropical paradise. Each bite is a delicious reminder of the ocean’s bounty, wrapped in a cozy, creamy sauce. I hope you’ll be inspired to try making this dish at home; it’s a delightful experience that’s worth every minute!

Don’t hesitate to gather your friends and family around the table and share this wonderful dish. You won’t be disappointed!

Coconut Curry Mussels

The ultimate comfort food, Coconut Curry Mussels combine the creamy richness of coconut milk with the boldness of curry, creating an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner. Perfectly steamed mussels soak up all the delicious sauce, making every bite a delight. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this dish tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Large Pot
• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
• ¼ cup red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon grated lemongrass
• 1 14 ounce can full fat coconut milk
• 2 pounds fresh mussels cleaned and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons minced cilantro

Instructions

 

• Rinse the fresh mussels under running water. Throw away any mussels that do not close or if their shells are cracked.
• In a high-sided 12-inch skillet add olive oil and set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot add in the onion. Sauté the onion just until it’s translucent and softened, about 10 minutes.
• Add in the red curry paste, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. Stir to combine.
• Pour in your coconut milk and stir to combine. Lower heat to medium-low and bring to a gentle boil.
• Once the mixture is bubbling add in your mussels, stir and cover. Steam for about 5 minutes or until all the mussels have opened.
• When the mussels are all opened, remove from the heat and sprinkle with cilantro.

Notes

• Mussels Cooking: Mussels are best cooked by steaming them off a hot liquid rather than boiling them directly in a broth or sauce.
• Checking Mussels: If you see that most of your mussels haven’t opened after 5 minutes, it’s okay to steam them for a few more minutes to see if they will open.
• Discard Unopened Mussels: Once finished, you shouldn’t have many unopened shells, but if you do, throw them away.
• Pan Size: If you use a smaller, less wide pan, you can reduce the coconut milk so you don’t boil your mussels instead of steaming them.

Keyword Coconut Curry Mussels recipe, curry mussels, easy seafood recipes, mussels with coconut milk

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Meet Romina Scott

Welcome to my kitchen. I founded Recipes By Romina with a simple goal: to share the fresh, vibrant, and reliable flavors that I love most. I personally develop and approve every single dish on this site to ensure it is not only delicious but also easy for you to recreate at home. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dessert, I hope this recipe inspires you to grab an apron and get cooking!