Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet French seaside restaurant with this mind-blowing Oven Steamed Mussels recipe! Imagine plump, succulent mussels bathed in a rich white wine sauce, crispy bacon adding a smoky depth, and fresh parsley bringing a burst of brightness. This isn't just a dish; it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the coastal regions of France with just one bite. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is your ticket to culinary greatness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds mussels, cleaned
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Thoroughly clean the mussels under cold running water. Discard any mussels with cracked shells or that do not close when tapped. Remove any beard-like fibers by pulling them off.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp and renders its fat, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced shallots to the bacon and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shallots become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate their flavor.
- Add the cleaned mussels to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them with the bacon, shallots, and wine mixture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the mussels have opened completely. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, allowing guests to enjoy the flavorful broth with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips
- Mussel Cleaning is Crucial: Always inspect your mussels carefully before cooking. Discard any with cracked shells or that don't close when tapped - this ensures food safety and quality.
- Don't Overcook: Mussels cook quickly! The 10-12 minute cooking time is precise. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Wine Matters: Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor profile. Avoid overly sweet wines.
- Serve Immediately: These mussels are best enjoyed hot right out of the oven. Have your bread and serving bowls ready before you start cooking.
- Bacon Tip: For extra crispiness, you can slightly pre-cook the bacon before adding shallots to get that perfect crunch.
- Bread Pairing: A crusty French baguette or sourdough is perfect for soaking up the delicious wine and bacon-infused broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
