How to Cook Maine Mussels

Creamy-flavored Maine mussels can be easily cooked with a variety of flavorings.

Maine mussels are fleshy mussels that are harvested from the cold waters surrounding Maine. These blue-black shelled, protein-rich mussels make for inexpensive seafood, and have a mild, creamy flavor. You can easily prepare Maine mussels into a delicious entree or appetizer. Cook Maine mussels in a matter of minutes by lightly boiling them with flavorings of your choice. Does this Spark an idea?

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2 lbs. fresh Maine mussels
1 tbsp. olive oil
Two chopped garlic cloves
Finely chopped onion
1/2 cup white wine
1 tsp. of sea salt
Serving bowls
Lemon juice
Melted butter
Baguettes

Instructions

- 1
  
  Place the mussels in a vessel and fill it with water. Gently rub the shells to wash away any mud or dirt that may have attached. Drain the mussels and set aside. Discard mussels that have broken or open shells.
- 2
  
  Pour 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a wide-bottomed pan, and set on medium heat. Add the flavorings, including two chopped garlic cloves and one finely chopped onion. Cook for three minutes or until the garlic and onions turn translucent and light brown.
- 3
  
  Add 2 lbs. of fresh Maine mussels, 1/2 cup of white wine and 1 tsp. of sea salt. Bring to a boil and simmer on reduced heat for five minutes or until the mussel shells have opened up. The open mussel shells are an indication that the mussels are cooked.
- 4
  
  Pour the mussels along with the broth in shallow serving bowls. Sprinkle a little lemon juice over the mussels. Serve alongside melted butter and baguettes that you can dip in the broth.