Thai Steamed Mussels with Lemongrass and Fresh Herbs

This fragrant steamed mussel recipe makes a superb gourmet appetizer to serve guests, or that very-special-someone in your life. Thai herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, lime leaf, fresh coriander and basil, create a wondrous broth that marries perfectly with the taste of the mussels without ever overpowering them. As a bonus, this mussel recipe is simple to put together and will be ready in just minutes. Pair with a nice wine and good company, and ENJOY!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients:

• SERVES 2-4
• approx. 1 lb. fresh mussels, cleaned
• 1/2 cup good-quality chicken broth/stock
• 1 stalk fresh lemon grass - see preparation below
• 2-3 kaffir lime leaves (available in the freezer section of your local Asian food store)
• 1/4 cup white wine (or white cooking wine)
• 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar (or substitute white or apple cider vinegar)
• 1-2 fresh red chilies, finely sliced (omit for milder mussels)
• 2-3 Tbsp. fish sauce, to taste - available by the bottle at Asian food stores
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander (leaves + stems), plus another handful (leaves) for topping
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 2 tsp. cornstarch dissolved in 1 Tbsp. water
• handful fresh basil (chop leaves if large)
• lemon or lime wedges to serve

Preparation: 

1. Pour chicken stock into a wok or large frying pan (Note that you will also need a tight-fitting lid).
2. Add the minced lemongrass (including the upper stalk), plus the lime leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high.
3. Add the wine, vinegar, chilies, fish sauce, sugar and 1/2 cup chopped coriander. Stir to incorporate.
4. When sauce is gently boiling, add the mussels. Stir them in, then cover with a tight-fitting lid. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove lid and gently stir the mussels. If some of them still haven't opened, put the lid back on and allow to cook 1 more minute.
6. Reduce heat to low and add the garlic, gently stirring it in.
7. Push mussels aside to reveal the sauce. Add the dissolved cornstarch to sauce, stirring well to incorporate. Sauce should thicken in about 30 seconds. As it thickens, gently stir the mussels to combine with the thickened sauce.
8. Remove from heat. Taste-test the sauce, adding more fish sauce if not salty enough. If too salty, add a squeeze or two of lime or lemon juice. If too sour, add 1-2 more tsp. sugar. If not spicy enough, add more fresh garlic and/or fresh chili.
9. When you're happy with the taste, scoop or slide mussels into a large serving bowl (or individual bowls). Pour the remaining sauce on top. Finish with generous sprinklings of fresh coriander and basil. Add lemon or lime wedges on the side.
10. Serve with rice or crusty French loaf to help soak up the juices. A good white or blush wine pairs nicely with this dish. ENJOY!