Grilled mussels are a delightful appetizer that showcases the natural brininess of mussels enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a crisp breadcrumb topping. This recipe is perfect for entertaining, as you can prepare the mussels in advance and finish them quickly under the broiler just before serving.
Ingredients:
- 60 mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 2/3 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced and divided
- 5 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped and divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh chervil, chopped
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried chervil
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons Romano cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste (optional)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Mussels:
- Scrub the mussels under cold water to remove any grit. Trim off the beards (the hairy fibers) protruding from the shells.
-
Cook the Mussels:
- In a large pot, combine the mussels and dry white wine. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Steam the mussels until their shells open, about 5 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
-
Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter with 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, fresh chervil, dried chervil, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper. Mix well to combine.
-
Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of butter.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper, and grated Romano cheese. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the breadcrumbs are moistened.
-
Assemble and Broil the Mussels:
- Preheat the broiler.
- Once the mussels are cooked and cooled slightly, carefully pull off half of each mussel shell.
- Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of the garlic herb butter over each mussel, then sprinkle evenly with the prepared breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently so that the breadcrumbs adhere to the buttered mussels.
-
Broil the Mussels:
- Arrange the prepared mussels on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil until the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
-
Serve Hot:
- Transfer the grilled mussels to a serving platter and serve immediately while hot. They pair wonderfully with cocktails or as a sophisticated appetizer.
Tips:
- Ensure the mussels are thoroughly cleaned before cooking to remove any sand or debris.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If fresh chervil is unavailable, you can increase the amount of parsley or use a different fresh herb like tarragon.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and pepper to suit your taste preferences. You can also add a pinch of salt to the breadcrumb mixture if desired, but be cautious as mussels naturally contain some saltiness.
Grilled mussels are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a standout appetizer for any gathering or special occasion. The combination of buttery garlic herb flavors with crunchy breadcrumbs adds a delightful contrast to the tender mussels, ensuring each bite is packed with savory goodness. Enjoy these grilled mussels hot from the broiler for an unforgettable culinary experience!
