How to cook frozen mussels for a quick and easy dinner. Serve the mussels with pasta and bread to soak up all that rich briny broth. It’s easy to achieve rich flavors in short time! Be sure to cover the pot once you add the mussels in the skillet so you gently steam them.
About mussels
I believe in importance of diverse diet with well-rounded sources of protein, like chicken, beef, salmon. Each type of protein provides different minerals, nutrients and vitamins. And mussels are another incredible source of protein rich in iron, zinc, vitamin b12 and low in calories and fat.
It may be frowned upon to cook frozen mussels, but it’s incredibly hard to buy fresh seafood for those of us who live in rural areas away from the ocean.
We have tried many, many different frozen mussels. And I have to say, when it’s cooked right, they can be absolutely delicious! I only recommend frozen mussels in the shell though.
For food safety, most frozen mussels are pre-cooked. So it’s even easier to prepare it for a weeknight dinner!
How to thaw frozen mussels:
- Ideally, you want to thaw frozen mussels overnight in a fridge.
- In a pinch, you can place the vacuum sealed bag of mussels in a bowl with cool water for about 30 minutes, changing the water every 10 minutes or so.
How to cook frozen mussels:
While garlic white wine sauce is a classic choice for mussels, I keep things simple for a regular weeknight.
- Sauté shallots and garlic slices in olive oil.
- Once shallots are soft, stir in a little chicken (or seafood) stock.
- Then add thawed mussels and cook, covered, until mussels are opened up and heated through.
- Discard any unopened mussels and serve over pasta.
TIP: Be careful not to overcook the mussels, as they shrink in size and become tough. Perfectly cooked mussels should easily detach from the shell.
How many mussels do you serve per person?
Plan on 1 lb of mussels (in the shell) per person as a main entree, or 1/2 lb per person as an appetizer.
1lb of mussels yield 3-4oz of meat.
More Favorites from Busy Cooks
How to Cook Frozen Mussels
Ingredients
- 4 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or seafood stock
- 2 lbs frozen mussels thawed
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, or according to package directions.
- In a large 12-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
- Add shallots and garlic slices and sauté for about 3 minutes.
- Once shallots are soft and fragrant, stir in chicken stock. Reduce heat to medium.
- Then add thawed mussels and gently cook them, covered, until mussels are opened up and heated through.
- Discard any unopened mussels and serve over pasta.
Nutrition
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full nutrition disclosure.
Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying of full recipe to any social media is prohibited.
Stay connected and join Busy Cooks community:
FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM
Reader's Reviews
Shane Bukowski says
Soooooo good ! I didn’t grow up eating shell fish in general .. Tried Mussels at an Italian restaurant onr time .. loved them .. I wanted to make my own years later and found your recipe .. Super easy .. good instructions and spot on! On top that .. they are actually very cheap to obtain .. Totally a fast easy dinner that makes you look like a super chef .. thank you
Shinee says
SO happy you tried this recipe, Shane!! And you’re so right, it’s so easy and impressive dinner for sure!! Thanks for your feedback!