Last Updated on March 10, 2021 by Slow The Cook Down
These mussels recipes are as easy as they are delicious! They are so quick and easy to cook and can be served as an appetizer or main, in sauces, pastas and soups. They are so versatile and there's some awesome recipes here for you to try from all around the world. 
This post was first published in March 2017 and has been updated with more tasty mussel info and recipe links
I've scoured the web to bring you the best easy mussel recipes, and I know that you're going to love them! All of these recipes take less than 40 minutes to make, so they are perfect for easy weeknight meals.
Mussels are a really amazing ingredient for so many reasons, and you guys really should be cooking more dishes with them! They take no time at all to cook and they are so versatile that they pair easily with many different flavours. You can be much more adventurous than a standard Moules Mariniere (although, when done well it is pretty amazing!).
I've had a love affair with mussels for years. The wonderful Jamie Oliver first introduced me to them way back when, and I've loved cooking with them ever since.
Are mussels sustainable?
Mussels are one of the most sustainable types of seafood you can eat and are a more environmentally friendly choice than a lot of other fish and crustaceans. The way that they are fished means that there is very minimal by-catch and there is no damage to the sea bed. Mussels reproduce very quickly and so stocks are always stable.
In the US, individual states work to keep harvests at a sustainable level, and wild mussels reproduce very quickly. All mussels on the market are farmed and considered sustainable.
When are they in season?
Mussels are available all year round, but peak season is from October through to March.
How do you clean mussels?
When you buy the mussels they are live, so you will need to clean them well. They can get gritty, so you don't want that in your meal!
- Place the mussels in a colander under cold running water.
- Use a scrubbing brush to brush off any dirt and barnacles.
- Grab the beard (the hair-like fibers that come out of the shell) with your finger and thumb and pull the towards the hinge of the shell until they pull out.
- The mussels should all be closed. If any are open, tap them firmly, if they don't shut discard them.
How to buy mussels
If you can, buy fresh mussels rather than frozen. when frozen they loose a lot of their delicate flavor and texture. If frozen mussels are your only choice, be sure to check them well for broken shell before cooking them.
Mussels can be bought fresh at store seafood counters, fishmongers and other food markets. They should have wet and shiny sells and they must be kept on ice. As with all foods, local mussels are generally going to be the best choice, so check the label or ask the fishmonger where they are from.
Allow 16 ounces (1 lb) of shelled mussels per person for a main course and half for an appetizer.
How to store mussels
Mussels are alive and need to breathe, so don't wrap them in a plastic bag to take them home, an open paper bag is your best option. The mussels are best eaten on the day you buy them, but they can be stored in the fridge for a day or two.
So, without further ado, here are a bunch of easy mussel recipes from around the web for you to give a go at home!
The Best Easy Mussels Recipes
These easy recipes show just how versatile mussels are. From pasta dishes, to curries, heck, you can even cook them on the grill! Lots of these can be served as a main or appetizer and they're all quick enough to make to serve as and easy weeknight meal.
Asian Mussel Recipes
Chilli Mussels in Coconut Milk
Spicy and sweet, these delicious chilli mussels are served in a coconut milk broth for one delicious meal. Great to serve as an appetizer or main, and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
Thai Mussels
Thai mussels are packed full of flavor and can be served as an appetizer or main course. They take around 30 minutes to make and the dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Cooked in a simple Thai sauce, this easy seafood dish is a real crowd pleaser!
Easy Green Curry with Mussels and Bok Choy • Happy Kitchen
Easy and Flavorful Green Curry with Mussels and Bok Choy: Perfect weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes! It has a fresh “ocean hint” and tons of flavor.
Indian Curry Mussels in Under 15 Minutes!
Thai-Inspired Coconut Milk Mussels with Ginger, Garlic and Lemongrass
Serving this recipe with a bread for sopping up the broth is a must. It's a delicious broth that should be fully enjoyed as much as the mussels!
Thai Green Curry Mussels | Easy Seafood Dinner
This Thai Green Curry Mussels recipe is the perfect Thai seafood dish you'll wish you tried earlier. It's savory, sweet, low carb, and done in just 30 minutes.
Mussels Cooked With Alcohol
Mussels in white wine
Mussels in white wine is an incredibly simple and easy dish to make, but so delicious. Quick, tasty and one you’ll want to make again soon.
Hopus Beer braised smoky mussels + Santa Maria style rub
The BBQ Bastard, shows us how to cook mussels on a (you guessed it!) barbecue. The idea of that smoky flavour mixing with ocean fresh mussels is just too good!
Beer Steamed Mussels With Garlic Scapes & Lemon
These beer steamed mussels tossed with garlic scapes and lemon make a great appetizer or light meal, and are a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Bourbon and Bacon Steamed PEI Mussels Recipe
Packed with flavor, this impressive dish is super simple to make and ready from start-to-finish in about 20 minutes flat.
Pasta Recipes with Mussels
Spaghetti with Mussels and Chorizo
Chorizo goes so so well with mussels and the flavour that it gives the broth is so intense. Serving these up on a bed of spaghetti is such a great idea as all of that delicious sauce coats every last strand.
San Diego Mussel & Clam Linguine
Mussels and clams cooked in a tomato and coconut sauce and served over linguini.
Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta, with a delicious creamy white wine sauce.
Blood Orange Mussels with Pomegranate Lime Linguine
Blood oranges, pomegranates, and lime combine with mussels and linguine for a dish that brings a bright and fresh feel to winter!
Mussels Pasta Recipe (with Red Sauce)
Mussels Pasta Recipe with Red Sauce is an elevated pasta dish that features fresh mussels, linguine pasta, and a red pasta sauce made with garlic and white wine.
Spaghetti Pasta with Mussels and Tomato Garlic Sauce
This mussels with pasta recipe is an ideal recipe for the summer. It's fresh and easy to make, serve it with a Greco or a Verdicchio white wine.
Easy Mussels Soups and Chowder Recipes
Easy Seafood Chowder Recipe
This Easy Seafood Chowder Recipe is a perfect choice for this winter. Delicious, full of seafood goodness, and super easy to make.
Potato Mussel Chowder
A chef’s recipe for potato mussel chowder recipe. It’s easy to make, but not diet friendly. Yet no one will care because it’s so good.
Mussel Soup
Mussel Soup is the ultimate soup for any mussels fan. Fresh mussels are cooked in a rich tomato based broth, with wine, garlic and fresh parsley.
Mussels In Sauces
Garlic Mussels In Sour Cream Sauce
Ridiculously quick and easy recipe for dinner that requires just a handful of ingredients. These Garlic Mussels In Sour Cream Sauce are such a comforting seafood dish.
Easy Mussels in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
This easy mussels in a spicy tomato sauce recipe is surprisingly simple to make! It’s an elegant meal, perfect for holiday entertaining or a romantic meal at home.
Mussels in Creamy Fennel Tomato Broth - Quick Dinner Recipe
This recipe sounds complicated, but is ready in minutes and makes a perfect dish to impress dinner guests. Serve with spaghetti or crusty bread!
More Easy Mussels Recipes
Easiest Spicy Steamed Mussels
Looking for an easy recipe that looks impressive but takes little to no effort to put together? This Spicy Steamed Mussels is perfect!
Seafood Chorizo Paella
This shrimp, clam, mussel, and chorizo paella recipe is a flavor party in a skillet.
Chorizo Mussels
Mussels are one of the easiest dishes to make at home as either an appetizer or an entree. Chorizo Mussels are a fabulous choice with a broth so tasty, you might actually want to make it just for bread dipping!
Impepata di Cozze - Peppered Mussels
How to make a traditional Neapolitan dish: Impepata di Cozze - Peppered Mussels!
I hope you've enjoyed this collection of some of the best easy mussel recipes and it has tempted you to into the kitchen to give these tasty little treats a go for yourself. Easy peasy!
Be sure to check out these other tasty seafood recipes!
- Scallops with Bacon Puree and Black Pudding
- Baked Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Puree
- Mini Crab Cakes
- Bloody Mary Prawn Cocktail
- Crispy Baked Cod with Red Pesto
- Shrimp and Rice Bowls with Lemon and Tarragon
I love hearing from you!! If you have tried any of these easy mussels recipes, be sure to scroll down, and let me know what you thought!
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GiGi Eats Celebrities says
I FRIGGIN ADORE mussels! ADORE THEM. They are so under utilized!!! I actually really just love roasting them! Brings out an awesome-sweet flavor!
Slow The Cook Down says
I'll have to give roasting a go! I love their natural sweetness! Thanks for dropping by!
Natasha @ Salt & Lavender says
I LOVE mussels and eat them almost every chance I can. Great roundup!
Slow The Cook Down says
Mussels are the best! Thanks for popping by!