Thai Red Curry Mussels

Our Thai Red Curry Mussels recipe brings you a large bowl of the best flavors. Fresh mussels are bathed in a coconut curry sauce that you will want to eat as much as the mussels!

 

 

Nothing is better than plump mussels cooked to perfection. This recipe cooks them in a rich Thai red curry coconut sauce, infused with garlic, onion, and spices. 

I might like this Thai curry mussels version even more than my steamed mussels in creamy sauce with leeks. Both are delicious!

In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy Thai mussels dish in your own kitchen.

Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a Thai-inspired feast.

And it’s healthy too! Mussels are a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish both healthy and satisfying.

If you need a dish that looks as good as it tastes, try these Thai Red Curry Mussels. It’s good news for everyone’s taste buds when these are served!

 

 

What Ingredients are in Thai Red Curry Mussels?

• Fresh Mussels: The star of the show, providing a delicate seafood flavor and tender texture.
• Yellow Onion: adds flavor to the base of the curry sauce
• Garlic: Adding depth and aroma to the curry base.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Clam Juice: Enhancing the seafood flavor of the dish.
• Unsweetened Coconut Milk: Creating a creamy and luxurious sauce.
• Thai Red Curry Paste: Infusing the dish with bold and spicy flavors.
• Fish Sauce: Adding depth of flavor and umami richness to the red thai curry mussels sauce.
• Cilantro: Adding a fresh and herbaceous note to the dish.
• Lime: Providing a bright and citrusy finish to balance the richness of the curry.

Pro Tip: When making Thai coconut curry mussels, you want enough for everyone. To figure how many pounds of mussels to purchase, plan on half a pound per person as an appetizer and a full pound per person as a main course.

 

 

How to Make Thai Red Curry Mussels:

1. Clean the mussels thoroughly, discarding any that are open or damaged.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until softened.
3. Add clam juice, coconut milk, red curry paste, and fish sauce; whisk to combine.
4. Add cleaned mussels to cooking liquid, cover pot, and steam over medium heat until they open.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro and lime juice.
6. Serve each bowl of mussels with lime wedges and crusty bread for dipping.

Pro Tip: Be careful not to overcook the mussels, as they can become tough and rubbery.

 

 

How to prepare Mussels:

Before you can cook mussels in red curry sauce, you need to prepare them which means you need to start with clean mussels. Place the mussels in a sink under running water and scrub them with a brush to remove any dirt and barnacles. 

If the mussel has a “hairy beard,” pull that off by pulling towards the hinged end of the shell (not the front).

Pro Tip: Discard any mussels that have already opened. Opened means they are dead. From a food safety standpoint, you want to be cooking live mussels. Keep them on ice until you are ready to start cooking.

 

 

Can I Make Thai Red Curry Mussels Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can mostly make Thai red curry mussels ahead of time.

Prepare the curry sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Then reheat the sauce and cook the mussels just before serving.

 

 

How Long Does Thai Red Curry Mussels Last?

Thai Red Curry Mussels are best enjoyed immediately after cooking.

However, leftover mussel curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

 

 

How to Store Thai Red Curry Mussels:

Store leftover Thai red curry mussels in their sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

 

 

Can You Freeze Thai Red Curry Mussels?

No, you should not freeze Thai Red Curry Mussels.

When mussels are frozen and thawed, the texture changes and becomes mushy when it is thawed.

 

 

What Do Mussels Taste Like?

Mussels have a delicate and briny flavor, with a slightly sweet undertone.

They take on the flavors of the sauce they are cooked in, making them go well with many different flavors.

Curried mussels like these Thai red curry mussels will have a strong seafood curry flavor while other mussel recipes will have different base flavors.

 

 

What to Serve with Thai Red Curry Mussels:

• Coconut Rice: Serve mussels curry over fluffy coconut jasmine rice to soak up the delicious curry sauce.
• Thai Chicken Noodle Soup: need more Thai flavors? Try this delicious Thai chicken noodle soup!
• Crusty Focaccia Bread: Perfect for dipping in the delicious broth!

 

 

Is Thai Red Curry Mussels Gluten-Free?

Yes, this Thai red curry mussels recipe is naturally gluten-free.

It’s a great appetizer or meal to serve at a dinner party to those with gluten sensitivities or restrictions.

If you are looking for easy and impressive good food, this is one of those delicious recipes you want to keep ready to make.

Thai red curry mussels are loaded with flavors and look fancy, without a lot of work!

 

Originally Posted: December 4, 2018

Photos & Text Updated: March 5, 2024

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