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beer mussels on a serving platter with fries.
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5 from 1 vote

Beer Mussels

These delicious beer mussels are made with live or frozen mussels steamed in an easy beer and tomato broth. Serve with fries or warm toasted bread!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 449kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds mussels (live or frozen) See recipe notes "Live Mussel Prep" and "Frozen Mussels"
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 12 ounce can beer (pale ale recommended) Use a certified gluten-free beer if needed
  • ¼ cup diced chives Or use green onion tops
  • hot fries (to serve) Or serve with warm, toasted bread (gluten-free if needed)

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion and salt. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens.
    chopped red onion in a stockpot.
  • Add the tomatoes and beer. Bring to a simmer.
    tomatoes and beer in a stockpot.
  • Add the mussels and cover the pot. Steam until the mussels open (~5 minutes for live mussels, ~8 minutes for frozen).
    closed mussels in a stockpot with beer broth.
  • Add the chives and stir.
    Scoop mussels into bowls along with the beer broth. Discard any mussels that don’t open.
    Serve along with fries or toasted bread.
    steamed mussels in a stockpot.

Notes

Serves 2 as a main course or 4 as an appetizer.  This recipe is easily doubled.
Live mussel prep:
  • Rinse and scrub mussels under cold water.
  • Remove the beards (the string that hangs from the shell) with a paring knife or your fingers.
  • Discard mussels with broken shells.  Discard mussels with shells that are already open and won't close after gently pressing on the shells.
Frozen mussels:
  • Avoid using frozen mussels packed in a flavored sauce.  Look for unflavored, cooked frozen mussels.
  • Some frozen mussel packaging specifies that mussels that do not open after steaming should be safe to eat.  Check your mussel packaging to be sure.
Nutrition information does not include fries or toasted bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 449kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1104mg | Potassium: 1009mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1477IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 10mg