Mussels on the Half Shell
Transform your next seafood dish into a show-stopping appetizer with this irresistible recipe for Mussels on the Half Shell. Fresh, tender mussels are steamed to perfection, then bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with zesty lemon juice. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb mixture seasoned with parsley and Parmesan cheese, these broiled mussels boast a golden, flavorful crust that pairs beautifully with the briny sweetness of the shellfish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this elegant dish is simple to prepare yet perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or holiday gatherings. Serve them warm with a drizzle of lemon juice for the ultimate seafood indulgence. Keywords: mussels on the half shell recipe, broiled mussels, seafood appetizers, garlic butter mussels, easy mussel recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh live mussels
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, ground
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the mussels thoroughly under cold water, scrubbing their shells to remove any grit or dirt. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped, as they may not be safe to eat.
In a large pot, bring about 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the cleaned mussels, cover, and steam for 4-5 minutes, or until the mussels open. Remove the mussels from the pot, discard any that did not open, and let them cool.
While the mussels are cooling, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the garlic butter mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
Once the mussels are cool enough to handle, remove one side of each shell, leaving the mussel attached to the remaining half shell. Arrange the mussels on a baking sheet lined with foil.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and olive oil. Optionally, add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the mussels, and then top each mussel with a sprinkle of the breadcrumb mixture.
Preheat your oven broiler to high. Place the baking sheet with the mussels under the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crisp.
Remove the mussels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve the mussels warm as an appetizer or light entrée, accompanied by lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
443 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.6 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.5 g | 47% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 160 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 1231 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 31.2 g | 62% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 142 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 633 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
