What to Serve with Mussels: 10 Delicious Side Dishes to Elevate Your Seafood Game!

Updated on 
7 May, 2023

What To Serve With Mussels

Mussels are a delicious seafood option that can be prepared in a variety of ways, but what should you serve with them? If you're looking to add something new and exciting to your mussels dish, look no further.

In this article, we'll explore some innovative ideas for serving mussels that will take your meal to the next level. The perfect accompaniment to mussels can complement or contrast the flavors in the meal, or even create an entirely new flavor profile.

Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing or something savory and comforting, there's sure to be a delicious side dish that will make your mussels the star of the show. Read on to discover more about what to serve with mussels!

Salads

In the face of its reputation as a difficult dish to pair with side dishes, mussels can easily be incorporated into many delicious meals. An ideal accompaniment for mussels is a bright and flavorful salad.

Whether it's a classic quinoa salad or an Asian-inspired slaw, salads provide a simple way to add variety and texture to your meal.

A quinoa salad is a great option for those looking for something light but packed with flavor. Quinoa has a mild taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet brininess of mussels. It can also easily be dressed up with fresh herbs, citrus, and vegetables like red bell peppers and cucumbers.

For something more exotic, an Asian slaw is sure to tantalize the taste buds. This crunchy mix of Napa cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cilantro comes alive when mixed together with a homemade dressing made from rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. The perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors will leave you wanting more!

Grains

Grains are a great accompaniment for mussels. They provide the perfect balance of texture and flavor to round out the meal.

There are many options available, but these are some of our favorites:

  1. Asian style rice: Cooked with garlic and onions and flavored with sesame oil, this aromatic dish is sure to be a hit.
  2. Couscous pilaf: A mix of couscous, herbs, spices and vegetables, this flavorful side dish is sure to please.
  3. Quinoa salad: This healthy option is loaded with fresh vegetables and tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing.

These are just a few ideas that can help you create an unforgettable meal. With the right combination of grains, you can take your mussels from ordinary to extraordinary!

To take your meal one step further, adding some delicious vegetables will really put it over the top.

Vegetables

Vegetables are an ideal accompaniment to mussels, and there is no shortage of tasty options.

Roasted vegetables offer a great way to get your veggies in while still providing a delicious flavor. Eggplant, squash, peppers, and mushrooms all roast nicely and can be seasoned with garlic or herbs for an extra kick.

If you want something on the crunchier side, fried vegetables are sure to satisfy. Potatoes, carrots, onions and sweet potatoes can all be sliced into rounds, lightly battered and then crispy-fried until golden brown – they pair perfectly with mussels!

Finally, adding a medley of steamed vegetables like artichokes, Brussels sprouts or green beans introduces vibrant colors and textures that will leave guests wanting more.

All these vegetable sides provide a savory balance to the briny taste of mussels - your meal is sure to delight all diners!

Next up are breads – from crusty loaves to savory flatbreads – that provide a great way to soak up all those delicious sauces!

Breads

It's no surprise that mussels are a popular dish all around the world. In fact, research shows that over 12 million tons of mussels are consumed annually!

With this in mind, what better way to serve them than with some delicious breads? French baguettes are a great accompaniment to mussels and work especially well when paired with a light beer. Not only does this pairing bring out the flavor of the mussels, it also adds an extra layer of texture and taste to the overall experience.

For those looking for something heartier, try serving some seasonal flatbreads with your mussels. Flatbreads can come in many varieties such as focaccia or naan and make for an excellent side dish when paired with one of your favorite stews or sauces. You can also use flatbreads as vessels for dipping into sauces or even wrapping around cooked mussels.

No matter which type of bread you choose to serve with your mussels, each option is sure to add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your meal. With so many options available, you’re bound to find something that perfectly complements the main course.

Moving forward, let’s explore some delicious sauces that will take your dish to the next level!

Sauces

When it comes to serving mussels, there's a world of possibilities.

One of the most popular and versatile sauces for mussels is Asian style. This sauce typically features garlic, ginger and chili peppers with a base of soy or fish sauce. For a truly unique flavor, try adding some fried shallots to your Asian-style sauce. The crunchy texture will provide an interesting contrast to the soft texture of the mussels.

Another great option for serving mussels is a classic white wine sauce. This type of sauce usually combines butter, shallots and white wine into a rich, creamy base. To add complexity to the flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme to your white wine sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some roasted red peppers or capers for an unexpected twist.

No matter what kind of sauce you choose to serve with your mussels, it's important to remember that less is more when it comes to seasoning. Mussels themselves have a naturally sweet flavor that doesn't need too much interfering with in order to be enjoyed - so let the flavors shine through and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Mussels Should I Serve Per Person?

When it comes to serving mussels, portion control is key. But how much should you serve per person?
Well, that depends on a few factors like the type of dish you're preparing, the time of day and who you're serving.
If you're serving a small plate as an appetizer ahead of dinner, then two to three mussels per person should suffice.
However, if you're serving mussels as the main course or for a special occasion, then consider upping the number to five or six per person.
By keeping portion size in check and considering your context when dishing up your mussels, you can ensure everyone enjoys their meal without feeling overstuffed!

What Is The Best Way To Cook Mussels?

Cooking mussels is a simple yet flavourful meal. Steaming is the most popular technique as it brings out the best in these delicious shellfish.
To steam mussels, add them to a pot with a small amount of liquid such as white wine or broth, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The result will be succulent mussels with an enhanced flavour.
Pairing wines with your dish can also help to bring out the best of your steamed mussels - try a light white such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the perfect accompaniment!

Is There A Specific Type Of Mussel That Works Best For This Dish?

Mussels are like a blank canvas, waiting to be transformed into a culinary masterpiece. Depending on the pairing suggestions and cooking techniques you use, you can create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
When it comes to mussels, many types work great for this dish. The key is finding one that complements your other ingredients and has the right texture for the recipe. Whether you opt for wild-caught or farmed mussels, each type brings its own unique flavor to the plate that can be enhanced with careful preparation and skillful cooking.

Is There A Limit To How Many Accompaniments I Should Serve With The Mussels?

When it comes to pairing combinations and cooking techniques for mussels, there's no limit to what you can serve with them.
Whether you choose to stick with one accompaniment or combine various ingredients together, your mussels will appreciate the variety.
Experiment with different flavors and textures to create a unique dining experience that’s sure to surprise and delight your guests.

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Mussels?

When it comes to storing leftover mussels, it's important to remember that eating safety should come first.
To ensure that your leftovers are safe for consumption, the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep out any contaminants and prevent spoilage.
A great tip for storing mussels is to place a paper towel on top of the container before sealing it - this will absorb any moisture and help keep the mussels fresh longer.
With these simple storage tips, you can rest assured that your mussels will be as delicious as they were when you first served them!

Conclusion

When it comes to serving mussels, there's no wrong way to do it. Whether you're feeding one person or a whole crowd, mussels are a delicious meal that can be enjoyed with any type of accompaniment.

With proper storage and cooking techniques, the possibilities for what to serve with your mussels are endless - from white wine and garlic butter to savory spices and crunchy vegetables. The combination of flavors is truly symbolic; each ingredient adds something unique to the dish, creating an experience that's sure to please any palate.

So don't be afraid to experiment when planning your next mussel feast - the only limit is your imagination!

Jennifer
Jennifer is a certified nutritionist and weight loss coach with a Master's in Nutrition from Cambridge. With over 10 years experience, she shares healthy recipes and science-backed slimming tips on SheCooksSheEats to help people reach their wellness goals. Jennifer stays up-to-date by regularly attending conferences and continuing her nutrition education. She aims to provide research-backed advice to inspire balanced, happy living.
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