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. Have a bag of half shell mussels ? Let’s go and make some Mussels !
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
George Mastellone
Friday 6th of October 2023
Nice recipe. I made a slight variation by just using the garlic to flavor the butter and oil and then removed the cloves to avoid the bitter taste (sometimes ) of overcooked garlic. I'm from an Italian-American family, and using too much garlic in a recipe is a great sin among Italian- American cooks especially from southern Italy. I put a small pinch of herbes de Provence for a little added flavor.
Sonett
Saturday 19th of August 2023
We tried this recipe with closed fresh mussels and it came out perfect. We cooked the mussels for about 12 minutes though. Best recipe and super tasty!!
Linda Nortje
Sunday 20th of August 2023
Always good to hear, Sonett ! Thank you for the feedback :)
Karen
Saturday 22nd of July 2023
Can I use shrimp instead of mussels. I have frozen shrimps.
Linda Nortje
Sunday 23rd of July 2023
Karen, yes, I now and then add shrimp to my mussels, but am sure only shrimp (same weight or even a 1/2 pound more) and only cook until the shrimp are done - check regularly until you are happy
Christi
Sunday 16th of April 2023
This looks delightful and delicious! I am anxious to try it. I have a pound of already cooked mussels in their shell. Can I make the sauce and just warm the mussels in it or will they be overdone?
Linda Nortje
Sunday 16th of April 2023
Christi, the mussels should warm up in about 1 - 2 minutes (therefore, do not cook as per #3, but only 1 - 2 minutes). I do not think it will be overdone, as you will only be warming the mussels and not really cooking them.
Waylin
Thursday 30th of March 2023
Can I use sweet white wine if I don't have dry white wine? Would it make a difference?
Linda Nortje
Thursday 30th of March 2023
I have never actually used a sweet wine in a lemon sauce, Waylin. Personally I think the sweetness and the tartness of the lemon will clash. If you do however use a sweet wine, please let us know how the mussels turned out ?