Grilled mussels is probably the easiest – and fastest – way we have found to prepare them! These are great either as an appetizer or as the main entree. Because they are so fast, they make a great starter for an outdoor and socially distanced soirée. Your guests can enjoy these grilled mussels with some wine while you prepare the rest of the meal.
We make mussels a number of different ways, and they are all excellent. But we come back to grilling mussels for guests over and over. First, you can do your gathering outdoors, which is a huge, practical consideration right now in the age of Covid! But also, this preparation is quick and easy and oh – so – tasty!
Grilling mussels allows us to socialize while we prepare them. And I like getting a tried and true gourmet appetizer into our guests‘ hands early so that we can relax while the rest of dinner is being prepped.
Mussels do require some work up front. They are alive when you get them. If they are not alive you should toss them. You can tell by running them under some cold water. Toss any mussels which do not close in the cold water. You will also want to scrub them clean of their ‘beard’.
Once your mussels are sorted and cleaned up, you are ready to start cooking. While you can grill the mussels right on the heat, I like to add a little liquid so that the mussels steam a bit and stay moist. Wine is my favorite go-to!
Here’s my recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup melted butter or olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2-3 cloves minced garlic
- Fresh parsley and lemon for garnish
- Crusty Garlic bread or toast points for serving.
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to high. In a large cast iron skillet or dutch oven on the grill, sauté the minced garlic in the butter or olive oil.
Transfer the cleaned mussels and white wine to the cast iron skillet and lightly cover with aluminum foil.
Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mussels are fully open. Discard any that haven’t opened.
When serving, make sure each bowl has some of the yummy liquid. Serve with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and crusty garlic bread.
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