Australian Women's Weekly
Lovely, light seafood is a staple in Aussie summer and mussels are just the ticket for a perfect appetiser during your weekend entertaining. These sensational shellfish can also hold their own as the star of your dinners so we’ve gathered our best recipes for them to shine in incredible stir-fries and pastas. For those who are fans of more classic dishes, we’ve also included all you need to nail moules marniere and as well as an easy moules et frites recipe. Happy cooking!
Looking for more sensational seafood dishes?
Preparing mussels properly is the key to a spectacular shellfish dish. Our Test Kitchen shows you how to make sure your mussels are on point.
How do you know which mussels are good?
Before you get cleaning, you have to separate the edible mussels from the dead ones – these are any that are cracked, chipped or wide open.
Those that are slightly ajar could still be alive and kicking so here’s your chance to save a life.
How? Gently squeeze them closed and if they stay shut, well done – you’ve just brought your mussels back from the brink (and saved yourself a few bucks)!
What’s the best way to clean mussels?
Our Test Kitchen recommends two everyday household items that will easily do the trick.
A clean scourer or a hard brush are perfect for buffing away any debris from the shells, leaving them with a smooth and shiny finish.
How do you debeard a mussel?
We guarantee this will be your quickest shave ever!
To debeard your mussels you first have to know what you’re looking for – a hairy length of rope growing out of the shell.
Now, hold the mussel in your hand and pull the beard down towards the open end, as shown in the above video. Discard this part – no one wants hair in their food.
And, that’s it! Your mussels are now ready to be used.
01
Bacon, cider and fennel mussels
Bacon, cider and fennel mussels
Fresh, quick, flavoursome dinners don’t get much better than these delicious bacon, cider and fennel mussels! Cook up a storm with this mouth-watering recipe tonight!
03
Asian stir-fried mussels
Simplicity is best when it comes to fresh seafood, and fresh is best to match with the sharp, fragrant flavours in this Asian inspired dish.
04
Seafood casserole
Once fish has cooked and mussels have opened, serve topped with fennel mix and garlic croûtons. Scatter with chopped parsley in place of the fennel fronds if you like.
06
Baked mussels
Serve these baked mussels topped with this delicious crispy tomato topping as part of your hors-d’oeuvre platter at your next gathering.
07
Seafood risotto
If you love the fruits of the sea, you’ll adore this seafood risotto. Finished with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, it is absolutely divine.
09
Spanish seafood stew with aioli
Spanish seafood stew with aioli
Packed full of beautifully fresh seafood, this hearty Spanish stew is the ultimate comfort food for cooler evenings with the family.
10
Seafood stew
This hearty and warming seafood stew uses squid, prawns, mussels, pipis and octopus; all of which are considered ‘better choices’ in the sustainable seafood guide.
11
Quick and easy seafood paella
This easy paella recipe will have a bright and tasty seafood dinner on the table in less than half an hour.
12
Spaghetti marinara
A classic, easy seafood pasta made using a mix of fresh seafood tossed through a simple, tasty tomato sauce.
14
Cream of mussel soup
Mussels are high in protein and low in fat and calories, so you can feel much better about bathing them in this delicious creamy wine infused soup and mopping up every last drop with some crusty bread.
16
Tomato and saffron mussels
Tomato and wine seem to compliment mussels so well, and this dish is no different. Add some linguini to the mix and you have a deliciously hearty seafood and pasta dish.
18
A bowl of mussels
Enjoy a bowl of these fragrant mussels with a glass of wine for an indulgent weekend dinner with friends. Experience fresh, flavoursome seafood in the comfort of your own home.
20
Mussels in chilli tomato broth
Mussels in chilli tomato broth
For an exciting variation on classic fish and chips, try fresh Tasmanian mussels simmered in a spicy tomato and white wine broth. They work just as well with crunchy bread.
21
White wine mussels with pearl couscous
White wine mussels with pearl couscous
Seasoned and cooked in a white wine broth, these scrumptious mussels could find the fresh seafood lover in anyone.
22
Chilli seafood risotto
Making risotto can be a meditative task, the stirring and ladling with a wooden spoon in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. This chilli seafood risotto is creamy, warming and delicious.
24
Steamed belgian mussels in white wine and garlic
Steamed belgian mussels in white wine and garlic
Bring a little bit of Belgium to your kitchen with this classic dish. Serve with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious broth, and be generous with the finger bowls!
