Mussels in Lemon Garlic-Butter Sauce makes the perfect appetizer before the main dinner dish and is an elegant dish for entertaining.
Mussels in Lemon Garlic-Butter Sauce is one of the most delicious appetizers (or starters as it is known in some countries) and it is so easy to make at home.
No need to go to a restaurant when you are craving Mussels in a creamy sauce. Not to mention how pricey seafood restaurants are these days.
I remember a time when we had dinner at least twice a month at a close-by seafood restaurant. Good old days !
Of course Mussels are not only available as an appetizer in seafood restaurants, but many Steakhouses also have them on their menus.
This recipe is so saucy, exactly what I want in an appetizer of this kind. Just imagine, mopping up the Garlic-Buttery sauce with a crusty slice of bread .. mmm, totally delicious !
We always, but always finish a batch, whether we are four sharing or only two of us.
I also like to serve the Mussels in the skillet it was cooked in, all of us tucking in with our little Mussel forks, and especially dipping bread in the sauce !
But, seating arrangements, or when I make these for more than three or four people, are not always suitable for sharing from one skillet and then I use small, not too deep, bowls (or rather a plate-bowl, if you know what I mean) to serve the Mussels individually.
The serving also depends on your eaters … sharing is fine with the immediate family, or even close friends.
However you can serve this dish in separate bowls, if for instance you have colleagues, or new friends over for dinner.
More Appetizer recipes you might like:
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Mussels In Lemon garlic-Butter Sauce
Mussels In lemon Garlic-Butter Sauce

Mussels in Lemon Garlic-Butter Sauce makes the perfect appetizer before the main dinner dish and is an elegant dish for entertaining
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 Onion, small, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoon Fresh Garlic, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes
- 1 cup Dry White Wine
- 1 cup Fresh Cream, (whipping cream)
- 450 grams Half Shell Mussels, ( 1 pound )
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 Lemon, juice and zest
- 1/2 cup Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Melt the Butter in a large skillet (with a lid) – saute the Onion, Garlic and Chili Flakes until soft
- Add the White Wine and simmer until reduced by two thirds – add the Cream and simmer 2 – 3 minutes
- Add the Mussels and cover the skillet – over low heat, steam the Mussels until cooked – about 8 – 10 minutes
- Remove from heat – season to taste with Salt and Black Pepper – stir through the Lemon Juice, finely grated Zest and Parsley
Nutrition Information
Yield
4 ServingsAmount Per Serving Calories 372Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 94mgSodium 294mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 8g
Nutrition value is not always accurate
Serve immediately as an appetizer with lots of fresh, crusty bread slices.
Ari M
Sunday 22nd of May 2022
Great recipe. Second time I made it, I added shrimp and corn on the cob. Turned it into a whole entree and the fam loves it
Claudia
Thursday 5th of May 2022
Hi, I would love to leave out the white wine, what can I use to substitute?
Linda Nortje
Friday 6th of May 2022
Hi Claudia, you can substitute the white wine in this Mussels recipe with the same quantity of vegetable stock plus a teaspoonful of white vinegar
Kelsea
Thursday 5th of May 2022
For fresh mussels, I can’t find half shell. Can I use whole live mussels?
Linda Nortje
Thursday 5th of May 2022
Hi Kelsea, if you are using fresh mussels from the seabed, you need to clean them. Rinse each mussel under water to remove any grit inside, discard any mussels which are open (whole mussels), clean the barnicles with a suitable food brush and pull off the “hairy” beard which might stick out from the shell. Cooking time should be the same
Liezel
Saturday 16th of April 2022
Will the cooking time remain the same if I just use the mussel meat (unshelled)?
Linda Nortje
Saturday 16th of April 2022
Hi Liezel, you can reduce the cooking time to around 5 - 7 minutes when using only mussel meat
Debra
Tuesday 5th of April 2022
I am obsessed with this Recipie have made so many times now!
Linda Nortje
Tuesday 5th of April 2022
I am really glad you enjoy the Mussel recipe, Debra ! We make it at least once every two weeks