When cooking frozen mussels, the preparation method you use will depends on whether they are shelled, half-shelled, or still in the shell. Don’t worry, because in this article, I will instruct you how to cook frozen mussels properly, whether it is frozen mussels in half shell, in shell or without shell.
1. How To Cook Frozen Mussels Without Shell
When cooking frozen mussels that have already been removed from the shell, the goal is to gently heat and infuse flavor into the mussel meat without making it tough. Two easy cooking methods for shell-less frozen mussels are steaming and sautéing.
1.1. How To Steam Frozen Mussels Without the Shell
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen mussels
- 1 cup white wine
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Thaw mussels completely under cold running water. Drain well.
In a pot, combine wine, garlic, shallots, lemon juice and olive oil. Bring to a boil.
Add mussels to steamer basket or colander. Set over boiling liquid, cover, and steam for 3-5 minutes until mussels are plump and cooked through.
Transfer mussels to a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
Pour steaming liquid over mussels or serve on the side for dipping.
1.2. How To Sauté Frozen Mussels Without the Shell
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen mussels
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1⁄4 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Thaw and drain mussels well. Pat dry with paper towels.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
Add mussels and sauté 2-4 minutes until edges curl and mussels are warmed through.
Add wine and lemon juice and simmer 1 minute.
Remove from heat. Stir in basil and season with salt and pepper.
2. How To Cook Frozen Mussels in Half Shell
Frozen mussels in the half shell provide a convenient shortcut for recipes where you only want to use part of the shell. The half shells keep the mussel meat juicy while also absorbing surrounding flavors. Popular cooking methods for half-shell mussels include baking and grilling.
2.1. How To Bake Frozen Mussels in the Half Shell
Ingredients
- 24 frozen mussels
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1⁄4 cup parmesan, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Thaw mussels until half shells open easily. Discard top shell.
Arrange half shells on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic and parsley. Sprinkle over mussels.
Bake at 400F for 5-7 minutes until crumbs are browned.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
2.2. How To Grill Frozen Mussels in the Half Shell
Ingredients
- 24 frozen mussels
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Thaw and open mussel shells. Discard top shell.
Brush mussels with olive oil and season with rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Grill half shells over direct high heat 2-3 minutes until lightly charred.
Squeeze lemon juice over mussels before serving.
3. How To Cook Frozen Mussels With Shell
For the full mussel experience, cooking frozen mussels still in the shell is the way to go. The shells lock in moisture and allow the mussels to steam in their own briny juices. Two fool-proof methods are boiling and steaming.
3.1. How To Steam Frozen Mussels with the Shell
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen mussels
- 1 cup white wine
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place frozen mussels, wine, garlic, shallots, lemon, and olive oil in a pot. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 4-5 minutes until shells open.
Discard any unopened shells. Season broth with salt and pepper.
Serve mussels and broth with crusty bread for dipping.
3.2. How To Boil Frozen Mussels with the Shell
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen mussels
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 shallot, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place frozen mussels, wine, garlic, shallots in a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking pot occasionally until shells open wide.
Use slotted spoon to transfer opened mussels to serving bowl. Season broth and pour over mussels.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
Now, you know how to cook frozen mussels perfectly at home. Follow these methods for enjoying tender, flavorful mussels without the shell, in the half shell, or with the full shell experience
