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Mussels in White Wine Sauce

Mussels in White Wine Sauce

4.9 from 18 reviews

A classic French-inspired dish featuring fresh mussels steamed in a flavorful white wine sauce with garlic, shallots, butter, and fresh parsley. This elegant yet simple recipe is perfect as a starter or main course, served with crusty bread or pasta and a splash of lemon for brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mussels:

  • 2 pounds fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • Crusty bread or pasta
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mussels: Clean and debeard the mussels thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any barnacles or debris, and discard any mussels that are cracked or fail to close when tapped, as these are not safe to eat.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallots, then sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
  3. Add the Wine and Seasonings: Pour in the dry white wine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Cook the Mussels: Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, then cover with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the mussels to steam for about 5-7 minutes, occasionally shaking the pot gently, until all the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking.
  5. Finish the Dish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley to infuse the sauce with a bright herbal flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle the mussels and the aromatic white wine sauce into serving bowls. Serve immediately with crusty bread or over cooked pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges to add a fresh citrus finish.

Notes

  • Ensure mussels are fresh, alive before cooking, and discard any that do not close when tapped.
  • Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor.
  • You can omit red pepper flakes for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.
  • Serve with crusty bread to mop up the flavorful sauce or over your favorite pasta.
  • The dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for the freshest taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: mussels, white wine sauce, seafood, steamed mussels, garlic, shallots, French seafood recipe, easy mussels recipe, dinner, appetizer