Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce Recipe

Steamed mussels with piri piri sauce is a tantalizing dish that combines the rich, briny flavors of fresh mussels with the spicy kick of piri piri sauce. This dish is perfect for a classy dinner party, a casual summer gathering, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It's a flavorful journey that brings the taste of the sea directly to your table with an added twist of heat and spice.

Photos of Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce Recipe

The key ingredients in this recipe that you may not commonly find in your home include fresh mussels and piri piri sauce. Fresh mussels should be available at a good fishmongers or a supermarket with a fresh fish counter. As for the piri piri sauce, it's a spicy sauce made from chilli peppers, and you can find it in the international or hot sauce section of most supermarkets. If not, you can also find it at any specialty food store that sells Portuguese or African foods.

Ingredients for Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce

Red onion: Provides a sharp, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor that contrasts nicely with the mussels.

Parsley: Adds a fresh, light flavor and a pop of green color.

Olive oil: Used for sauteing and adds a hint of rich, fruity flavor.

Red wine vinegar: Adds tanginess to the sauce.

Garlic: Helps to enhance the flavor of the sauce.

Jalapeno pepper: Adds a bit of heat to the sauce.

Mussels: The star of the dish, rich and briny.

White wine: Adds a complex flavor to the mussels while they steam.

One reader, Dyanna Crane says:

This steamed mussels with piri piri sauce recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are out of this world. The sauce adds a spicy kick that complements the mussels perfectly. It's a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. I highly recommend trying it out!

Dyanna Crane

Techniques for Preparing Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce

How to prepare the piri piri sauce: Combine the red onion, parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, water, garlic, jalapeno pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper in a medium bowl and mix well. Let it sit at room temperature while preparing the mussels.

How to clean the mussels: Rinse the mussels under cold water to remove any sand and scrub them with a stiff brush. Discard any cracked shells and use your fingers to firmly pull out the hairy filaments. Clean off the outsides with a brush to remove any barnacles or dirt.

How to steam the mussels: Place ¾ cup of water and ¾ cup of white wine in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the mussels, cover, and steam until the mussels open, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes.

How to serve: Carefully drain the water and divide the mussels into 4 bowls. Top the mussels with the prepared piri piri sauce and enjoy!

How To Make Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce

Add an extra kick of spiciness to your steamed mussels by adding the irresistible Piri Piri sauce which is a kicked-up chimichurri sauce.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 6 minutes

Total: 26 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Sauce:

6tbspred onion,finely chopped
¼cupparsley,finely chopped
3tbspolive oil
2tbspred wine vinegar
1tbspwater
1garlic clove,minced
½jalapeno pepper,seeded and minced
¼tspkosher salt
⅛tspblack pepper
¼tspred pepper,crushed

For Mussels:

2lbsfresh live mussels
¾cupwhite wine,use broth for whole30
¾cupwater

Instructions

Combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. Sit at room temperature while preparing the mussels.
Place mussels in a colander and rinse them under cold water to remove any sand. Scrub them with a stiff brush under cold running water to remove any sand.
The shells will be closed until you cook them, discard any cracked shells. To debeard, use your fingers to firmly pull out the hairy filaments.
Clean off the outsides with a brush to remove any barnacles or dirt.
Place ¾ cups of water and ¾ cup of white wine in a large pot and bring to boil. Add the mussels, cover, and steam until the mussels are all open for 5 to 6 minutes.
Carefully drain water and divide into 4 bowls.
Top the mussels with the Piri Piri and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 331.39kcal
Fat: 15.26g
Saturated Fat: 2.38g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.55g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.45g
Carbohydrates: 11.61g
Fiber: 0.47g
Sugar: 1.18g
Protein: 27.37g
Cholesterol: 63.50mg
Sodium: 774.06mg
Calcium: 75.61mg
Potassium: 811.73mg
Iron: 9.46mg
Vitamin A: 125.92µg
Vitamin C: 26.84mg

Expert Advice for Perfecting Steamed Mussels

When preparing your mussels, it's important to remember that any mussels that are open before cooking should be discarded as they are likely dead and not safe to eat. Similarly, any mussels that do not open after cooking should also be discarded. This is a simple yet crucial step to ensure the safety and quality of your dish. Additionally, when making your piri piri sauce, consider adjusting the amount of jalapeno pepper to suit your personal heat preference. Remember, it's easier to add more heat later than to try and reduce it.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the piri piri sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time when you're ready to cook the mussels.

Use a colander: Rinsing and cleaning the mussels in a colander will help you save time and ensure they are free from any sand or debris.

Multi-task: While the mussels are steaming, use that time to set the table, prepare side dishes, or simply relax and enjoy a glass of wine.

Substitute Ingredients For Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce Recipe

red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a similar flavor profile to red onions, but they are milder and sweeter, which can complement the piri piri sauce well.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh and citrusy flavor similar to parsley, adding a different dimension to the piri piri sauce.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a similar level of acidity and tanginess to the sauce, complementing the mussels.
garlic clove - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the texture of minced garlic.
jalapeno pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level and flavor profile to jalapenos, adding a spicy kick to the piri piri sauce.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder and slightly different flavor compared to black pepper, complementing the piri piri sauce.
white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add depth of flavor to the mussels while serving as a suitable substitute for white wine in steaming the mussels.

Plating Ideas for Steamed Mussels

Artfully arrange the mussels: Place the steamed mussels in a large, shallow bowl, ensuring they are evenly distributed and the shells are all facing upward for an impressive visual impact.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the mussels to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Serve with crusty bread: Accompany the mussels with slices of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful piri piri sauce and enhance the dining experience.
Use elegant serving bowls: Present the mussels in sophisticated, minimalist bowls that allow the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through, creating an enticing visual appeal.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the mussels to add a luxurious sheen and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a few delicate microgreens over the mussels to add a touch of elegance and a subtle hint of earthy flavor to the dish.
Serve with a lemon wedge: Accompany the mussels with a small wedge of lemon, allowing diners to add a bright, citrusy element to the dish according to their preference.

Essential Equipment for Making Piri Piri Mussels

Colander: A colander is a bowl-shaped kitchen tool with holes in it used for draining liquids from food, such as rinsing mussels under cold water.
Stiff brush: A stiff brush is used for scrubbing the mussels under cold running water to remove any sand or debris.
Large pot: A large pot is used for steaming the mussels with white wine and water until they open.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to combine the ingredients for the piri piri sauce, such as red onion, parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and spices.
Food processor: A food processor can be used to finely chop the red onion, parsley, garlic, and jalapeno pepper for the piri piri sauce.

How To Reheat Leftover Steamed Mussels

Reheat the mussels in their shells to preserve their texture and flavor. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the mussels tough and rubbery.
For a more flavorful option, reheat the mussels in a pan with a small amount of white wine or broth. Place the mussels in a single layer in the pan and add just enough liquid to cover the bottom. Cover the pan and heat over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the mussels are heated through and the liquid is simmering.
To reheat the piri piri sauce, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If you have leftover mussels and sauce together, you can reheat them in a pan over medium heat. Add the mussels and sauce to the pan and cover. Heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the mussels are heated through and the sauce is simmering.
For a quick and easy option, you can also enjoy leftover mussels cold. Simply remove them from their shells and serve them on a bed of greens with the piri piri sauce drizzled over top for a refreshing and flavorful salad.

Interesting Trivia About Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce

The piri piri sauce in this recipe is a spicy and flavorful Portuguese sauce made with red pepper, garlic, and other seasonings. It is a versatile sauce that can be used in various dishes, such as marinades, dips, and dressings. Piri piri sauce is known for its heat and tangy flavor, adding a delicious kick to the steamed mussels.

Budget-Friendly: Making Piri Piri Mussels at Home

The cost-effectiveness of this steamed mussels with piri piri sauce recipe is quite favorable. With simple, affordable ingredients like mussels, red onion, and white wine, it offers a high-end dining experience at a fraction of the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it an economical yet impressive meal. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8/10, considering its affordability, flavor, and ease of preparation.

Are Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce Healthy?

The steamed mussels with piri piri sauce recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritional benefits:

Mussels are a low-calorie, high-protein seafood option rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
The sauce contains red onion, parsley, garlic, and jalapeno pepper, all of which offer various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being.
Using olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.

However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of white wine, which adds extra calories and alcohol content. Reducing the wine or replacing it with more water or a flavorful, low-sodium vegetable broth could help lower the calorie count and make the dish more heart-healthy.
While the piri piri sauce contains healthy ingredients, the recipe could benefit from additional vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient content. Consider adding diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce or serving the mussels with a side of steamed or sautéed vegetables.
To further enhance the nutritional value, you could experiment with using whole grain bread or a legume-based pasta as a side dish to provide complex carbohydrates and additional fiber.
If you're watching your sodium intake, be mindful of the added salt in the sauce and consider reducing the amount or omitting it altogether, as the mussels and other ingredients will naturally contribute some sodium to the dish.

Editor's Opinion on This Piri Piri Mussels Recipe

This recipe for steamed mussels with piri piri sauce is a delightful combination of flavors. The piri piri sauce adds a zesty and spicy kick to the tender mussels, creating a perfect balance of heat and freshness. The use of fresh ingredients like red onion, parsley, and jalapeno pepper enhances the overall taste. The cooking instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a successful outcome. Overall, this dish is a wonderful choice for seafood lovers and those who appreciate bold, vibrant flavors.

Enhance Your Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a hint of garlic and lemon zest.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory carrots glazed with honey and a touch of butter for the perfect side dish.

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Juicy pineapple slices grilled to caramelized perfection, adding a tropical twist to your meal.

Similar Recipes to Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a balsamic vinaigrette before threading them onto skewers and grilling until tender and slightly charred.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Sear the short ribs before braising them in a rich red wine and beef broth mixture until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.

Mango Coconut Panna Cotta: Combine mango puree and coconut milk with gelatin to create a creamy and refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Serve with Steamed Mussels

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with savory stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. These bite-sized appetizers are the perfect way to start any meal.

Bruschetta: Serve up a classic Italian appetizer with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic piled high on crispy slices of toasted baguette. This simple yet elegant dish is sure to impress your guests.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the luscious and creamy strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a sweet strawberry topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce Recipe:

This recipe for steamed mussels with piri piri sauce is a testament to the freshest seafood and the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. The piri piri sauce, made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of jalapeno pepper, infuses the mussels with a tantalizing heat. The use of white wine in steaming the mussels adds a layer of complexity to the dish. With the combination of fresh live mussels and the carefully curated piri piri sauce, this recipe promises an authentic and delightful dining experience.

Want to share your experience making this Steamed Mussels with Piri Piri Sauce recipe or have any tips to enhance the flavors? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum section!

FAQ:

How do I clean and prepare the mussels before cooking?

To clean the mussels, place them in a colander and rinse them under cold water to remove any sand. Use a stiff brush to scrub the shells under running water, and discard any cracked shells. To debeard, firmly pull out the hairy filaments. Clean off the outsides with a brush to remove any barnacles or dirt.

How long do I steam the mussels for?

Bring ¾ cup of water and ¾ cup of white wine to a boil in a large pot. Add the mussels, cover, and steam until the mussels open, which usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes.

Can I make the piri piri sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the piri piri sauce in advance. Simply combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. Let it sit at room temperature while preparing the mussels.

Can I use frozen mussels for this recipe?

While fresh live mussels are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen mussels if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw them completely before using.

What can I serve with steamed mussels and piri piri sauce?

Steamed mussels with piri piri sauce pairs well with crusty bread or a side of fries to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.