Whether you're steaming, simmering or adding them to pasta, properly cleaning mussels is the key to a great final dish. This step-by-step guide teaches you how to clean mussels like a pro, so they're grit-free and ready for any recipe!
Mussels are one of my favorite seafood dishes, and over the years, I've cleaned more than I can count. In this simple step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to clean mussels like a pro, with tips that guarantee clean, grit-free mussels every time!
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🛒 What to Look for When Buying Mussels
Always start with live and fresh mussels. Here's what to look for when at the seafood counter.
- Smell: Fresh mussels should smell clean and briny, like the ocean. Never fishy.
- Shells: Mussel shells should be tightly closed or they should close slowly when gently tapped. Avoid mussels with cracked or broken shells.
- Storage: Mussels should be kept on ice and ideally sold in a mesh bag, which allows them to breathe.
- Ask Your Fishmonger: Don't be shy! Ask them when the mussels were delivered. Same day or day before is best.
📍 Pro Tip: Plan to buy mussels the same day you plan to cook them, whenever possible.
🧊 Bringing Mussels Home
Once you come home with your fresh mussels, immediately take them out of the bag and put them in a large bowl over ice and keep them in the refrigerator.
🧽 How to Clean Mussels
Cleaning mussels takes longer than it does to cook them, but it's absolutely worth it!
Soak the Mussels
- Place the mussels in a large bowl of ice-cold water in the sink.
- Sprinkle in a generous amount of Kosher salt and let them soak for about 20-30 minutes.
- This step encourages the mussels to release any sand or grit trapped inside the shells.
- After soaking, the water will look dirty. Make sure to lift the mussels out of the water so you don't pour the dirty water over them.
Scrub and Debeard the Mussels
Mussels naturally cling to rocks and other surfaces in the ocean using strong fibrous beards. Scrubbing helps ensure there is no debris in the final dish.
- Remove each mussel from the cold water and use a soft-bristled shellfish brush to scrub each one, which removes any exterior debris or dirt.
- Remove the beard. Most mussels have a fibrous piece that sticks out from the shell. Hold the mussel in one hand and use your fingers in the other hand to pull the beard firmly toward the hinge of the shell (a towel or glove can help with grip.) Discard the beards.
📍 Tip: If a mussel won't close when gently tapped or feels light, discard it.
💧 Final Rinse and Hold on Ice
Once all the mussels are debearded and clean, give them one final rinse.
Place the mussels in a bowl of ice and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to cook them. At this point, your mussels are clean and ready for any recipe.
⏲️ How Long Do Mussels Take to Cook?
The good news is that mussels cook fast!
Once you add the mussels to your recipe, they are ready in about 5-7 minutes. Once the shells open, they are done. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
🍝 Recipes to Use Cleaned Mussels
Once your mussels are clean and ready to go, try them in:
How to Clean Mussels
LittleFerraroKitchen.com
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh mussels
- Cold water
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Check the Mussels: Discard any mussels with cracked shells or those that do not close when lightly tapped.
- Soak the Mussels: Place the mussels in a large bowl of ice-cold water. Sprinkle generously with salt and let soak for 20–30 minutes to help purge any sand or grit.
- Scrub and Debeard: Drain the mussels and rinse briefly. Using a shellfish brush, scrub each mussel under cold running water to remove debris.
- Remove the beard by pulling it firmly toward the hinge of the shell and discard.
- Final Rinse: Give the cleaned mussels a final rinse and keep them on fresh ice in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Notes
- Buy mussels the same day you plan to cook them for the best flavor and freshness.
- Fresh mussels should smell clean and briny, never fishy.
- Mussels should be stored on ice and able to breathe.
- Not all mussels have beards, but check each one just in case.
- If a mussel feels unusually light or won’t close when tapped, discard it.
- Cleaning mussels takes longer than cooking them. Most mussels cook in 5–7 minutes once added to a hot pot.
- Any mussels that do not open after cooking should be discarded.
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