Mussels Steamed in Ale

servings
Serves 4
prep time
15 minutes
cook time
30 minutes
Two serving bowls of mussels steamed in ale accompanied by garlic bread and a lemon wedge.

Recipe Image

Recipe adapted from Throwback Brewery (Hampton, New Hampshire, USA)

Ingredients

  • 45 ml (3 tablespoons) olive oil
  • 71 ml (⅓ cup) minced shallots
  • 30 ml (2 tablespoons) minced garlic
  • 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) salt, or as needed
  • 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper, or as needed
  • 1.8 to 2.7 kg (4 to 6 pounds) cleaned, de-bearded mussels
  • 237 to 355 ml (1 to 1½ cups) pale ale
  • 15 ml (1 tablespoon) unsalted butter
  • Toasted baguette slices, for garnish
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Place a large deep pot with a lid over medium heat. Add the olive oil, shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper.

  2. Once the shallots and garlic are crisping and the pan is really hot, drop in the mussels. Add 1 to 5 cups of beer to the pan.

  3. Cover and cook on high until all the mussels have opened, about 3-4 minutes.

  4. Add the butter. Let it melt into the broth. Turn the heat off. Spoon mussels into bowls, including a generous amount of broth in each. Garnish each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette, and, if desired, a slice of lemon for squeezing over the mussels.

Finding related recipes...

Speed, precision, and control with every cut

The razor-sharp precision chefs love, with Shun's durability and ease of care you need for everyday cooking.