Steamed Mussels in White Wine

The following recipe was shared during my French Fare event. You can read and view other recipes from the event HERE.



2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 pounds mussels, cleaned and de-bearded (see companion article linked above)
2 Tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
3-4 whole peppercorns
1 bay leaf
a pinch of thyme
1-2 cups of good-quality white wine

In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the onion until just translucent. Add the garlic and sauté just 30 seconds longer.
Turn the flame up to high and add all of the rest of the ingredients to the pot. There should be enough wine to have half an inch covering the bottom. When it comes to a boil, put the lid on tightly. Cook until most of the mussels open, about five minutes.
Take the pot off the burner. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mussels to serving bowls. Discard any shells that did not open.
Let the broth rest a minute to allow the remaining sand and grit to settle to the bottom. Then either carefully ladle the broth over the mussels, or carefully tip the pot to pour the broth into an intermediate vessel. In either case you want to leave the sediment at the bottom. Alternatively you can strain the broth through a cheesecloth-lined colander. The downside to that method is that you loose the tasty onion and herb bits.

Serve with plenty of crusty French bread to sop up the gorgeous liqueur. That’s almost the best part.

Steamed Mussels in White Wine

Steamed mussels in white wine is a classic yet simple looking dish that packs a flavor punch. This dish is a great way to enjoy the unique flavor of mussels that are already being praised for being high in proteins and beneficial vitamins, all while having a unique flavor of its own.

Easy-to-Follow Instructions

Steamed mussels in white wine is a relatively easy dish to make for a home cook. All that is required is about one-two pounds of mussels, some white wine, butter, parsley, garlic, and some seasonings. First, rinse the mussels in cool water and then debeard them by pulling off the tufts of fibers that hang from the shells. Next, heat the butter in a large saucepan and stir in the chopped garlic, parsley, seasonings, and finally the white wine. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Once the presentation is ready, add the mussels to the pan and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the mussels to steam and open up in the white wine mixture. Once the mussels are opened up and cooked, they will be ready to serve. Serve the steamed mussels in white wine in a large bowl lined with a few slices of garlic and parsley, and top with the white wine mixture broth.

Combining Mussels and White Wine

Mussels and white wine pair amazingly well together, especially when the mussels are steamed in the white wine. The mussels in white wine is a classic dish but it’s also a dish that can be easily modified to fit the tastes of a chef. The amount of butter, garlic, parsley, seasonings, and even wine can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of tastes.

When making this dish, opt for a dry medium-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Other dry white wines will also work just as well. Richer options like a Meursault or Chablis will also pair nicely with the mussels.

Suggested Accompaniments

Steamed mussels in white wine can be served as a main dish, either as a starter or a light meal. To make this dish a fuller meal, it can be served with a variety of accompaniments such as steamed vegetables, crusty bread, or even potatoes.

The classic French side dish, moules frites, which is mussels and fries, can also be served alongside steamed mussels in white wine. Moules frites is a great way to enjoy the same dish while making it a bit heartier.

Additionally, white wines go better with garlic, cheese, and herbs, so one can easily create a delicious side dish that pairs nicely with mussels in white wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many calories are in steamed mussels in white wine?
A. According to MyFitnessPal, one serving of steamed mussels in white wine contains 484 calories.

Q. What type of white wine pairs best with steamed mussels in white wine?
A. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay are all great choices for pairing with steamed mussels in white wine.

Q. What are some accompaniments to serve with steamed mussels in white wine?
A. Steamed vegetables, crusty bread, or potatoes all pair well with steamed mussels in white wine. As a heartier option, moules frites, which is mussels and fries, is a classic side dish that can be served alongside steamed mussels in white wine.

Print