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Curried Coconut Mussels is a quick and flavorful dish that brings a rich, slurp-worthy coconut curry sauce together with fresh mussels. This recipe is perfect for a dinner party or a special date night, offering a blend of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. The mussels cook quickly, and the sauce made with curry powder, coconut milk, and Thai chili creates a warm, aromatic base that will have you sopping up the last bit with bread.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4 lbs mussels, scrubbed and debearded
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large shallot, minced (about 2/3 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup curry powder
1 tbsp light brown sugar
2 cups dry sherry (or substitute with dry white wine)
28 oz unsweetened coconut milk (2 – 14 oz cans)
2 tsp kosher salt
1 Thai chili, sliced (jalapeño can be substituted)
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced
Lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish

Directions

Prepare the mussels: Stir kosher salt into a bowl of cold water. Add mussels and let soak for 15–20 minutes. Scrub shells well and debeard. Discard any open mussels.
Make the curry sauce: In a large dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic, ginger, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
Stir in curry powder, then add brown sugar. Deglaze with sherry and cook until reduced by half.
Whisk in coconut milk, sliced Thai chili, and season with salt. Bring to a boil and stir in lime juice.
Cook the mussels: Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, cover, and cook for about 7–8 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any that do not open.
Serve: Divide mussels into bowls, spoon the sauce over the top, and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and plenty of bread for dipping.

Nutrients

Calories: 877 per serving
Fat: 60g (92% DV)
Saturated Fat: 47g (294% DV)
Cholesterol: 80mg (27% DV)
Sodium: 1871mg (81% DV)
Potassium: 1613mg (46% DV)
Carbohydrates: 38g (13% DV)
Fiber: 10g (42% DV)
Sugar: 12g (13% DV)
Protein: 35g (70% DV)
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 41% DV
Calcium: 18% DV
Iron: 94% DV

Why Curried Coconut Mussels Works

What makes Curried Coconut Mussels so appealing is the balance of flavors. Mussels themselves have a subtle, briny sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory richness of the coconut milk. The curry powder brings warmth and depth to the dish, while the light brown sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance out the spice from the Thai chili. The shallots, garlic, and ginger provide aromatic notes that complement the coconut milk, creating a beautifully layered sauce.

The dry sherry (or white wine substitute) helps deglaze the pot, allowing the rich flavors to meld together, and the lime juice adds a refreshing tang that brightens the entire dish. The fresh cilantro and lime wedges garnish bring a burst of freshness, making each bite feel light and vibrant. Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s not only comforting but also complex, with layers of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

The Flavor Profile: Spicy, Sweet, Savory, and Aromatic

The flavor profile of Curried Coconut Mussels is a delightful blend of savory, spicy, sweet, and aromatic elements. The curry powder imparts a warm, earthy flavor to the coconut milk, which forms the creamy base of the dish. The addition of brown sugar balances the spice and enhances the richness of the coconut milk. Fresh ginger, garlic, and shallots offer a fragrant base that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

The Thai chili (or jalapeño) adds a kick of heat, which perfectly contrasts the creamy coconut sauce and the sweetness of the mussels. The lime juice adds a citrusy tang that brightens the dish, while the fresh cilantro provides a burst of herbaceous freshness to round out the flavors. The mussels themselves add a tender, briny bite that soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each mouthful a satisfying experience.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Curried Coconut Mussels

Curried Coconut Mussels is a flavorful dish, but it’s important to consider the nutritional content, especially because of the rich coconut milk and the fat content from the mussels and butter. Here’s the breakdown for one serving:

Calories: 877 kcal – The dish is calorie-dense due to the coconut milk and the fat from the mussels and butter. It’s a rich, indulgent dish, perfect for special occasions.
Fat: 60g – This high-fat content comes from the coconut milk and mussels, which provide both saturated and unsaturated fats.
Saturated Fat: 47g – The saturated fat is primarily from the coconut milk, which adds to the richness and creamy texture of the sauce.
Cholesterol: 80mg – The cholesterol content is moderate, primarily from the butter and mussels.
Sodium: 1871mg – The sodium content is relatively high, mostly from the soy sauce and salt, so it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Potassium: 1613mg – Mussels are an excellent source of potassium, and the dish contains a significant amount, helping to balance out the sodium content.
Carbohydrates: 38g – The carbohydrates mainly come from the coconut milk and the sugar, providing a balance to the savory flavors.
Fiber: 10g – The dish is high in fiber, thanks to the coconut milk and cilantro, which aid digestion and help you feel fuller longer.
Sugar: 12g – Most of the sugar comes from the light brown sugar and the natural sweetness of the coconut milk.
Protein: 35g – Mussels are a great source of lean protein, making this dish filling and satisfying.
Vitamins & Minerals: The dish provides a good amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron, with particularly high levels of iron due to the mussels.

While the dish is high in fat and calories, it’s a rich and hearty meal that can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet.

How to Serve Curried Coconut Mussels

Curried Coconut Mussels is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for serving:

With Steamed Rice: The dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, which soaks up the rich coconut curry sauce. The rice adds a neutral base to balance the flavors and makes for a more substantial meal.
With Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the last bits of curry sauce. It adds a comforting touch to the dish, making it even more satisfying.
As a Starter: If you’re serving a multi-course meal, Curried Coconut Mussels makes an excellent appetizer. The bold flavors and luxurious sauce set the tone for the rest of the meal.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the mussels with some stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas, to add more textures and flavors to the meal. The fresh vegetables will provide a crisp contrast to the creamy mussels.
As a Main Course: For a light yet filling meal, serve the mussels on their own with the coconut curry sauce. Add a side salad of mixed greens or cucumbers to keep the meal fresh and balanced.

Tips for Perfecting Curried Coconut Mussels

Use Fresh Mussels: For the best flavor and texture, make sure to use fresh mussels. Discard any mussels that are open before cooking, as they may be spoiled. Mussels should smell fresh, like the sea, and have tightly closed shells.
Adjust the Spice Level: The Thai chili provides a decent amount of heat, but you can adjust the spice level according to your preferences. For a milder version, use less chili or substitute with a milder pepper, such as a jalapeño. For more heat, add more chili or use a spicier variety.
Let the Sauce Simmer: While cooking the curry sauce, allow it to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld together. The more time you give it to reduce, the more concentrated the flavors will be. Be mindful not to over-reduce, as you still want a sauce with enough liquid to coat the mussels.
Don’t Overcook the Mussels: Mussels cook quickly and should only be steamed for about 7-8 minutes, or until their shells have opened. Overcooking them can make them tough and rubbery, so keep an eye on them.
Garnish with Fresh Cilantro and Lime: Garnishing the dish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges adds a burst of color and brightness to the dish, elevating both its presentation and flavor.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Aromatic Dish

Curried Coconut Mussels is a dish that’s full of bold, layered flavors. The combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes from the curry powder, coconut milk, and fresh lime creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the mussels. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, with a rich, aromatic sauce that’s perfect for dipping with bread or rice. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking a special meal for two, this dish will impress with its complex flavors and satisfying textures.

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