Thai Red Curry Mussels (25-27 Minutes)

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Dive into the delightful flavors of Thai cuisine with this red curry mussels recipe.

Aromatic and infused with the richness of coconut milk and the spice of red curry paste, these mussels are a delightful blend of savory and slightly spicy notes.

Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this dish is perfect for a special dinner and is sure to impress your guests. Let’s begin!

  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 23 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (adjust based on spice preference)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Optional: Additional lime wedges and sliced red chili for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mussels (10 minutes):
    Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing the shells and removing the beards. Discard any mussels that are open and don’t close when tapped.
  2. Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes):
    In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until fragrant and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add Curry Paste (2 minutes):
    Stir in the red curry paste, cooking for an additional minute to release its flavors.
  4. Cook the Mussels (6-8 minutes):
    Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the mussels. Cover the pot and let the mussels steam until they open, about 5-6 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
  5. Finish and Garnish (2 minutes):
    Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice. Serve the mussels in a large bowl, garnished with fresh basil leaves, lime wedges, and sliced red chili if desired.

Notes

Thai mussels are a fantastic way to explore the flavors of Thai cuisine in a straightforward yet sophisticated dish.

The key to success is using fresh, high-quality mussels and adjusting the level of curry paste to suit your spice preference.

Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious curry sauce for a complete dining experience. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 325
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 825mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Spring Rolls

Start by grabbing some spring roll wrappers; you'll find them at most Asian grocery stores. For the filling, combine finely shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced green onions, minced garlic, a splash of soy sauce, and some cooked minced chicken or shrimp, if you fancy. Lay out a wrapper, place a tablespoon of filling near the bottom corner, fold the sides in and roll up. Seal the edge with a bit of water or egg wash. Now, heat some oil in a deep-fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Once hot, gently slide in the rolls, a few at a time, frying until golden and crispy, which is usually about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels, serve with sweet chili or soy sauce, and enjoy the crunch!

Sea Salt Edamame

Begin with fresh or frozen edamame pods. If frozen, give them a quick rinse under cold water. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, toss in the edamame, and let them cook for a few minutes until they're tender and bright green. Drain the water and transfer the edamame to a serving bowl. While they're still hot and a tad steamy, sprinkle a generous pinch of coarse sea salt over them. The crystals will cling to the pods, giving them a delightful salty crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the process of squeezing those succulent soybeans straight from the pods into your mouth.

Miso Ginger Salad

Start by preparing a mix of your favorite salad greens; think romaine, iceberg lettuce, or baby greens. Toss in sliced radishes, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumbers for that refreshing crunch. For the dressing, whisk together white miso paste, freshly grated ginger, a dash of soy sauce, a bit of rice vinegar, and some sesame oil. If you like a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or agave nectar will do the trick. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with a little water if needed. Drizzle this punchy dressing over your greens and give it a good toss. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!