Close-up shot of garlic herb sauteed mussels in a large pot, steam rising

Seafood

garlic and herb sauteed mussels

By Martin Miller

Published: 13 Mar 2025

Oh my goodness, you guys, are you ready for this recipe? It’s SO simple, yet SO elegant. This garlic and herb sautéed mussels recipe is a staple in our home, and for good reason. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy dinner party. Seriously, it's impressive. I always get compliments, even if I mess up a bit (it's happened more than once, you know...)
A beautifully arranged plate of garlic herb sauteed mussels, garnished with parsley
The best part? It's incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the herbs to your liking. Experiment with different types of fresh herbs, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. I once added a splash of lemon juice, and that gave it another zing. Want to share your ideas? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
A person enjoying a bowl of garlic herb sauteed mussels

Required Equipments

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Tongs
  • Large bowl
  • Colander

Garlic-and-Herb-Sauteed-Mussels

This recipe for Garlic and Herb Sautéed Mussels is quick, easy, and unbelievably flavorful! It's a perfect weeknight meal that tastes like a million bucks.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 1 servings

Preparation Time: 1 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, scrub those mussels! Give 'em a good scrub under cold running water, using a stiff brush to remove any grit or barnacles. Seriously, it's crucial for a great taste.
  2. Next, discard any mussels that are broken or don't close tightly when tapped. These guys are probably not fresh and we don't want any bad surprises.
  3. Now, the fun part: Mince the garlic. Finely chop the fresh parsley and thyme. I like to use a generous amount—about 2 tablespoons of each. More herbs, more flavor, right?
  4. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Don't let it brown; we just want to wake up those flavors.
  5. Pour in the white wine (or your substitute). Let it simmer for a minute or two to let the alcohol cook off a bit, releasing those wonderful aromas.
  6. Add the mussels to the pot and toss to coat them evenly in the flavorful wine mixture. Cover the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until all the mussels have opened. Shake the pot gently every minute or so.
  7. Once the mussels are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the chopped parsley and thyme. Gently toss again to distribute the herbs beautifully.
  8. Serve immediately! Use tongs to transfer the mussels to a large bowl. Discard any mussels that didn't open. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Spoon a bit of the cooking liquid over them for extra flavor.
  9. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlicky, herby broth! Trust me, you'll want every last drop. This is where the real magic happens; I have to tell you about a time my brother-in-law tried sopping up this sauce with his bare hands. Yep, it was a sight to see…but he wasn’t wrong about how delicious it was! What do you think? Would you use your hands?

📝 Notes

  • Make sure to use fresh, high-quality mussels for the best flavor. If you can't find fresh thyme, dried thyme will work, but use about 1 teaspoon.
  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste it and see what it needs!
  • If using frozen mussels, make sure to thaw them completely and rinse before cooking. Let them come to room temperature for best results

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal

Protein: 20g

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 5g

Fiber: 2g

Calcium: 100mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The best meals are made with love, fresh ingredients, and a touch of imperfection.

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