I am not a big shellfish person but mussels are my one exception. I love them in tomato sauce. I love them in a coconut curry sauce. The list goes on and on. Thai. Red. Curry. Mussels. This really doesn't need an explanation. It trumps my list of ways to cook mussels. And don't get me started on the thai red curry sauce. It is the best part of this recipe. Soak up some french bread in that? Yes, please!
Mussels are normally considered an appetizer and they look pretty impressive at a dinner party. But, in my household, we don't care about food classifications. We eat this stuff as our main course. I mean, why not? It's quick, it's easy and it's filling! The only part of this that might slow you down is the prep. It takes a while to scrub and debeard the mussels, one by one.
How to prepare mussels
First, wash and scrub the mussels: Grab a colander and place your mussels inside. Put the colander in the sink and run it under cold water. Wash each mussel using the hard side of a kitchen sponge and scrub gently in a singular motion from the clasp to the mouth to ensure that you have gotten rid of any debris on the outer shells.
Next, debeard the mussels: "Beards" are a stringy mass that are attached to the side of the mussel. Gently hold the mussel in one hand, and grab the beard with the other. Pull it towards the buttom on the the mussel where the clasp is. These "beards" have a tendency to be stubborn so pull firmly. Don't worry, you won't crack open the shell.
I like to give them one quick last rinse after everything has been debearded. Now, you are good to go!
Now, let's make this dish. Saute the tomato, ginger and garlic in butter. I can already smell that amazing aroma just talking about it. After a couple of minutes, the garlic should have softened. Add your red curry paste, coconut milk and half the cilantro. Stir well to combine and then cover and let that simmer for a couple of minutes. Next add the mussels and cover those babies up. Once the mussels open (in about 5 minutes), add the basil leaves, fish sauce and lime juice. Let the flavours fester in there for a minute. Pour into a serving bowl and throw out any mussels that do not open.
Serve hot and sprinkle the remaining cilantro on top. Don't forgot to serve with a side of french bread. For best results, slightly toast the bread before serving.
Recipe
Thai Red Curry Mussels
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Show off your kitchen skills with quick and gorgeous Thai red curry mussels. Serve with a side of bread for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, pressed or minced
- ½ tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can lite coconut milk (14 oz.)
- 2 tablespoons thai red curry paste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1.5 lbs. mussels, debearded and scrubbed (about 30 mussels)
- ¼ cup Thai basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- french bread for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large wok over medium heat.
- Add the tomatoes, garlic and ginger and saute for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and red curry paste. Add in half the cilantro. Stir to combine.
- Let simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Add the mussels. Cover the wok and continue to cook until the mussels open. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the basil leaves, fish sauce and lime juice. Cook for another minute.
- Serve in a large bowl with a side of french bread for dipping. Sprinkle the remaining cilantro on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
You May Also Like These Other Thai Dishes:
SHANNON TAYLOR says
Fantastic! Exactly what I was looking for. I made this with 6lbs of morning caught mussels off the coast of Salt Spring Island, where we’re having our annual family getaway. Grandmas, parents, and kids of all ages loves it! The only thing I omitted was the fish sauce, as one of the children are allergic. Thank you 😊
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
That sounds amazing! So happy you liked our recipe!
Monika says
amazing...made it several times. Always a hit.
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
Thank you so much Monika! Now I am craving some too...
Adrienne says
These were delicious! Also very easy to make. Lots of extra sauce (even after bread dipping), so I'd say there's space to increase the amount of mussels should your heart desire.
This recipe is a keeper! Thank you!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thank you for the comment, Adrienne! So happy that you liked this recipe. 🙂
Colleen Bilinsky says
This was WONDERFUL! It was aromatic with spectacular flavours! We used soy substitute instead of fish sauce as my husband is on a low sodium diet. It worked well.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks Colleen! And thanks for sharing how you tweaked the recipe. I will have to try it with soy next time we are out of fish sauce!
Rebekah | Kitchen Gidget says
OMG I can smell that broth simmering! I'm not a big shellfish person either except when it comes to mussels. A little intimidated by the cleaning process, but I will give them a try!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Yeah, the cleaning process scares me too a little. I am always worried I am going to crack the shells when I am pulling the "beards" off. But, it always works out! 🙂
Mahy says
Sam, these are just calling my name! Love the amazing flavors and comfort feel! I can't wait to to make them!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Mahy! I am so glad you like the recipe 🙂