Steaming mussels is a delicious and relatively simple way to enjoy this tasty seafood. It is savory, flavorful, and easy to prepare. When steamed mussels are served as a main dish, it’s essential to have the perfect side dishes to accompany them.
Some of the best side dishes pair perfectly with steamed mussels for an unforgettable dinner.
In a hurry to know What to serve with Steamed Mussels, try these-
Potatoes, Crusty Bread, Salads, Spaghetti, Homemade Garlic Bread, Steamed Asparagus, Roasted Eggplant, Roasted Artichokes, Potato leek soup, French fries, or yummy Chips, Potato wedges, Toasted Baguette, Sweet Potato Fries and some salad like Fennel salad, tomato salad and more also try Horseradish Sauce.
Best Sides to serve with Steamed Mussels
1. Potatoes
Whether you like them mashed, boiled, or roasted, potatoes make an ideal accompaniment for mussels.
Creamy Cheesy Mashed potatoes provide the perfect creamy texture and light flavor that balances out the boldness of the mussels.
Boiled potatoes provide a similar effect but with added crunch, while roasted potatoes add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
All three variations will pair well with any type of steamed mussel dish you create.
2. Crusty Bread
Consider serving up a basket of hot bread with your steamed mussels for something more traditional. Crusty bread is an essential complement to any bowl of steamed mussels.
Whether it’s served warm or at room temperature, the crunchiness of crusty bread provides the perfect contrast to the soft texture of the mussels. The bread soaks up all that delicious sauce in the bottom of their bowl or plate.
You can opt for a classic French baguette, sliced Italian bread, or focaccia, or try something more flavorful, like a rustic sourdough or ciabatta. Also, add buttery croissants or garlic knots for extra flavor.
3. Fries
Fries are always a popular side dish when it comes to seafood! Whether you’re serving thin and crispy shoestring fries, waffle fries, or sweet potato fries, they all provide the perfect combination of crunch and saltiness that pairs perfectly with steamed mussels.
For an extra flavor boost, top your fries with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or chives before serving.
4. French Fries or Chips
Steamed mussels are a tasty, protein-packed meal and French Fries or Chips make the perfect combo.
They provide a salty crunch to the tender mussels that are both delightful and satisfying. Whether you prefer your chips sliced thin like shoestring fries or thick cut like steak fries, they create an exciting and diverse texture in each bite.
The best way to cook the chips is in a pan with a generous helping of oil for that restaurant-style crunch which will complement the steamed mussels perfectly.
A side of chips will turn an ordinary dinner into something special.
5. Spaghetti
Serving spaghetti as a side dish for steamed mussels is an excellent idea. The pasta’s mild flavor is the perfect complement to the briny ocean taste of the mussels, and the contrasting texture creates a unique and delicious experience for your taste buds.
Additionally, spaghetti can act as an edible plate so you can savor every last bit of your meal.
Try adding a little garlic and Parmesan cheese to your spaghetti for some extra flavor, and you’ll surely have a dish that is fit to serve even the most discerning seafood lover!
6. Steamed Mussels + Homemade Garlic Bread = Perfection
Its soft and buttery texture makes it the ideal accompaniment to creamy mussels, allowing you to savor and appreciate the earthy and subtle flavors of mussels while also getting a garlicky satisfaction from the garlic bread.
Not only that but making your own homemade garlic bread will ensure that each and every bite is perfectly fresh and bursting with flavor.
7. Polenta
Polenta is the perfect side to serve with a plate of steamed mussels. It is a delicious Italian dish made from cornmeal and cooked slowly until it is creamy and soft.
The savory flavor of Polenta complements the briny sweetness of mussels, making them a match made in heaven.
It is also incredibly easy to prepare, with just a few simple ingredients needed, such as water or broth, salt, pepper, butter or olive oil, and some Parmesan for an added burst of flavor.
Additionally, Polenta offers a lighter option than other traditional sides like French fries or mashed potatoes, making it suitable for more health-conscious meals.
8. Potato Leek Soup
Potato Leek Soup is an excellent addition to steamed mussels. Its rich, creamy blend of potatoes and leeks adds a delicious flavor. Still, it also provides an extra layer of texture too.
Potato Leek Soup also adds balance to the dish, calling for something hearty and savory against the fishy qualities of mussels.
Preparing this soup doesn’t have to be complicated, either. With just a few simple ingredients, such as potatoes, vegetable broth, and a leek or two, you can have a full-flavored side to pair perfectly with steamed mussels.
A warm bowl of Potato Leek Soup will truly be the star of any meal when served alongside fresh mussels.
Read More- 12 Best Vegetables go well with Mussels
9. Potato Wedges
Potato wedges make another incredible pair to serve with steamed mussels.
They are quick and easy to prepare, and their crispy exterior pairs perfectly with the soft, succulent mollusks.
They taste excellent next to dishes like mussels and contrast great texture. The golden, fried texture against the creamy texture of mussels is delectable! You can have other sides with potato wedges like grilled corn or Baked Asparagus and more.
While potato wedges take just minutes to prepare, it’s important to remember not to overcook them. A few minutes too long in the oven can result in mushy wedges, which will ruin the flavor pairing.
10. Steamed Asparagus
Adding steamed asparagus to your plate of steamed mussels is not only a great way to diversify the meal in terms of taste and texture, but it can also add some great health benefits.
Asparagus is rich in fiber, containing almost a third of the daily recommended value per serving, and packed with essential vitamins such as A, C, E, and K.
It also has powerful antioxidants that are thought to aid in protecting against diseases like cancer and heart disease.
So while the steamed mussels provide a delicious savory dish, adding steamed asparagus can really accentuate the meal with more nutrients and great flavor.
11. Serve Risotto for Steamed Mussels for Dinner
A bowl of creamy, savory risotto is perfect for steamed mussels. This classic Italian rice dish is a favorite of many, with its subtly buttery flavor and fluffy consistency.
Risotto can be cooked differently – white wine, mushroom flavorings, or mixed vegetables- making an exciting backdrop for your modules.
Its versatility makes it the perfect companion for any meal – pairing especially well with seafood like mussels.
12. White Wine Sauce
Adding a flavorful White Wine Sauce as a side provides an extra layer of complexity and sophistication.
The deep, mellow notes of the sauce accentuate the briny flavors of the mussels perfectly, creating a heavenly combination challenging to resist.
White Wine Sauce enhances the flavor of steamed mussels; it also adds some festive color and texture to the overall presentation.
This makes steamed mussels with White Wine Sauce an ideal dinner party meal–guaranteed to impress everyone.
13. Red Lobster Biscuits
If you’re looking for a fantastic side that goes with steamed mussels, then look no further than Red Lobster Biscuits!
These fluffy, buttery biscuits are savory, light, and delicious. Plus, their smell will fill the house and keep everyone’s stomachs grumbling until mealtime!
Serve them up with melted butter and honey for an extra special treat. A few biscuits go a long way when it comes to rounding out the perfect seafood feast.
The combination of warm Red Lobster Biscuits and fresh steamed mussels is sure to be a winning one for your family and friends at your next gathering!
14. Roasted Eggplant
Roasted eggplant is an excellent complement to steamed mussels; the subtle smokiness and mild sweetness of the eggplant balance out the briny flavor of the mussels.
Their flavor plays nicely off one another, but the two textures can create a pleasant contrast when served together.
Roasting the eggplant with Mediterranean spices also increases its versatility and adds an unexpected depth of flavor to the pairing.
This rich and savory side dish will undoubtedly leave you wanting to return for second mussels and roasted eggplant helpings.
15. Roasting Artichokes
Roasting artichokes alongside steamed mussels is a flavor combination sure to tantalize the taste buds.
In addition to adding a unique veggie option to the meal, artichokes are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
The flavorful addition of cooking them on the stovetop with garlic, butter, and lemon juice creates a savory and scrumptious side that pairs perfectly with any main dish.
This makes roasting artichokes an ideal choice for anyone looking for an easy but delicious side to serve with their next plate of mussels.
16. Toasted Baguette
A toasted Baguette is a perfect addition to a steamed mussel dish. It compliments the savory flavors of the meal and adds a delightful layer of crispness and crunch.
Its light, airy texture provides an optimal mouthfeel, ably offsetting the briny aromatics of the mussels.
The classic combination has proven itself through decades of serving as an ideal side for any seafood dish – with its warm blend of aromas, the Toasted Baguette is sure to go perfectly with your steamed mussels!
17. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potato Fries are an excellent option for a better way to enhance sweetness while still providing the crunchy texture necessary to make mussel dishes truly come alive.
Sweet Potato Fries add a vivid depth of flavor and provide a welcome visual contrast on your plate – adding another level of aesthetic charm to what is sure to be an impressive meal.
18. Horseradish Sauce
Mussels have such a delectable, juicy flavor that they don’t need much to enhance it. But, when it comes time for dipping, the perfect companion is horseradish sauce.
Horseradish adds a scrumptious zest to each bite of mussel. Still, it also serves as an excellent balance to its subtle taste.
Aside from adding a flavorful kick, horseradish sauce has been known to help out with digestion after eating steamed mussels and other shellfish.
Whether you prepare them yourself or order them at a restaurant, make sure horseradish sauce is part of your mussel-eating experience – you won’t regret it!
Best Salads to Go with Steamed Mussels
Above all sides are great pairs for steamed mussels; you can pair any of them. To complete the meal, try to add some salad alongside with sides-
1. Tomato Salad
Tomato Salad is an ideal addition to steamed mussels. Tomato salad provides a good bright, acidic flavor of tomato paired beautifully with the briny mussels. Still, this vibrant dish also adds a fresh and crunchy element to the meal.
Plus, it’s easy to prepare: simply combine chopped tomatoes, a splash of vinegar, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, some garlic, some fresh basil leaves, and salt and pepper for a dressed salad that won’t detract from – but will enhance – your favorite mussels recipe.
2. Green Salad
A salad is always an excellent option for finding the perfect side dish for any seafood meal, including steamed mussels.
A crisp green leafy salad is an excellent counterpoint to rich and flavorful steamed mussels like spinach and kale are an excellent choice because they bring freshness and balance out any heavier ingredients in the dish (like cream sauces).
So, Try combining greens such as spinach and arugula for added texture, then top with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers for a light and refreshing touch.
Remember to add some feta cheese and olives for an extra salty flavor.
3. Fennel salad
Fennel salad is another ideal companion for steamed mussels, providing a sweet and crunchy contrast to their briny flavor.
While there are various recipes for fennel salad, the classic calls for finely shaved fennel bulb, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley.
This mix of ingredients creates a zesty and refreshing accompaniment to the tender mussels, enhancing the culinary experience.
For a bit more heft, diced scallions or tomatoes can be added to the salad, or crumbled bacon or feta cheese can top it off.
4. Jicama Salad
Jicama Salad perfectly complements the steamed mussels flavor. Its light and refreshing taste go with the mussels’ salty and savory flavors while adding a hint of sweetness.
The crunchy texture of the jicama works in balance with the soft, delicate texture of the mussels. Its fresh ingredients, like cucumber, onion, cilantro, chili powder, lime juice, and olive oil, enhance Jicama’s crispness.
Whether prepared restaurant-style with mango or chilies for an added kick; or simply tossed together for a fresh, light twist, Jicama Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser alongside steamed mussels.
Read More- 14 Perfect Pairings Bean Salad
How to make the best-steamed mussels?
Crafting the perfect steamed mussel dish takes patience and skill, but it’s a worthwhile challenge.
Making delicious steamed mussels requires using the freshest ingredients and ensuring optimum timing.
Start by selecting high-quality mussels, which should have damp and heavy shells; those with cracked or open shells should not be used since they have likely expired.
Before you steam them, make sure to rinse the mussels in cold water to remove any dirt or debris, but do not rub the shells too much, or else it will harm the delicate flavor.
You can then add a flavorful liquid such as beer, wine, fish stock, or white wine to create a tasty broth; add some garlic and herbs of your choice to enhance the flavors even more.
Make sure to monitor the heat while you steam your mussels; let them steam for 5-8 minutes until they are open. As overcooking them will result in a rubbery texture.
When ready, discard any unopened ones that didn’t open during cooking and serve right away for a flavorful treat!
FAQs
Is it better to boil or steam mussels?
Boiling can provide a more intense flavor that melds the seasoning better with the mussel, whereas steaming imparts a milder, subtler taste.
With boiling, you won’t have to worry about your ingredients drying out or overcooking, for any mistake you make in terms of timing will not greatly affect the end result.
On the other hand, achieving perfectly cooked mussels when boiling may be challenging as there is less control over how much time they spend in the cooking liquid.
Steaming will enable you to precisely monitor their cook time, ensuring they are tender enough – not too firm or soft.
Ultimately both techniques work great for preparing this delightful seafood delicacy, but with different results in terms of flavor and texture. Choose according to your preference and desired outcome!
How long should you steam mussels for the best result?
To ensure your mussels are cooked perfectly, steam them until their shells have opened and the meat has changed color – usually around 5-8 minutes.
If you cook them for much longer, they won’t taste as fresh and juicy as when steamed for just the right amount of time. Serve them with a side of garlic bread to really enjoy every morsel!
How much water do you steam mussels?
Mussels are a fantastic way to add a delicious seafood component to any meal. To cook them properly, you need to steam them in water. The amount of water used can be the difference between over-cooking or undercooking the mussels.
The general rule of thumb is to use one cm of water per 500 g of mussels, just enough so that all the mussels are almost entirely submerged. This will ensure that your mussels will steam evenly and thoroughly with even heat distribution.
When prepared correctly, they should only take 5-8 minutes to steam until they open, at which point they are ready to serve!
Do I clean mussels before steaming?
Preparing fresh mussels for your next meal requires a bit of leg work upfront. Before steaming, give them a good rinse and scrub off any barnacles that might be present. This effort can go a long way to ensure your dish turns out tasty and safe.