If you’re not a fan of meat perhaps you should this smoked mussels recipe!
Mussels are easy to cook and only take a couple of minutes to prep!
Before smoking your mussels, there are a couple of things you should do, especially if you catch them yourself.
First, we’ll show you how to clean them. Then we have our recipe for smoking mussels in their shells, and a recipe without the shell.
Table of contents
How To Clean Mussels
Below are 8 steps to cleaning, mussels, it might seem like a bit of work, but believe us it’s worth it!
- First of all, remove all barnacles
- Wash them in seawater before placing them into a large bucket. When you’re done with picking the number of mussels you want, fill the bucket about two-thirds of the way with seawater. Make sure the water covers the mussels entirely.
- When you get home, get a large lidded container and place a sieve over it.
- Next, use a paper towel to line the sieve and pour seawater through it. The water will get rid of any grit and debris you bring home.
- Arrange the mussels in another container and allow them to purge for about two days.
- When they’re ready, scrub them under fresh water to remove more dirt left on them. It’s alright if some barnacles stick to the mussels. Don’t touch the byssal threads (beards) on the mussels until you cook them. Cutting them off will kill the mussels.
- Steam them in small batches as soon as your mussels are ready to cook. Remove each one as the shell pops open. Set aside those that do not open.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and set it aside when you’re done.
- Then your mussels are ready to be smoked! So let’s start smoking!
Two Methods of Smoking Mussels
We have delicious recipes we like to use.
One involves taking the mussels out of the shells to smoke and the other leaves them in the shells.
We recommend trying both and seeing which one you like more!
If you don’t have time to smoke them you can cook your mussels on the grill with direct heat.
Method 1: How To Smoke Mussels In The Shell (In Just 4 Easy Steps)
Ingredients
- Fresh Green Lipped Mussels in the shell
- A cup of cold water
- Fresh Limes
- 2 Tbsps fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- Garlic Butter
- Black Pepper
- White Wine
- Fresh Parsley or Italian parsley (optional)
- Smoker
Method 2: 4 Easy Steps for Smoking Mussles Out of The Shell
Step 1: Scrub the outer part of the shell under fresh running water. Then steam the mussels lightly until the shells open.
Step 2: Remove the steamed mussels from the shells and drain the water. Lay the cooked mussels with half the shells open.
Step 3: To each mussel in its half shell, add a drizzle of olive oil, some white wine, garlic butter, and a bit of fresh lime juice or lemon juice.
Doing this adds lots of flavor to the mussels and helps them retain their moisture when you smoke them.
Step 4: Heat the smoker and cook the mussels for about 45 minutes..
What Wood Should You Use For Smoked Mussels?
The best type of wood is use for smoking mussels is fruitwood like applewood or cherry wood. You can smoke the mussels over any wood of your choice.
Smoked Mussels Recipe
You can use wild or farm-raised mussels for this recipe.
All you need to do is ensure that isn’t open or the shells are broken. If they are give them a tap and see if they close.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds mussels
- 1 cup of white wine or dry vermouth
- 2 cups of cold water
- A quarter cup of high-quality olive oil. You can use other oils such as hazelnut or walnut.
Instructions
Step 1: Ensure the mussels are clean. Now is the time to cut off the beards. You can also do that after steaming the mussels.
Step 2: Steam the vermouth and boil the water in a pot. Add the mussels to the pot in a single layer. Then, cover the pot and steam the mussels until they open. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Place the opened mussels in a baking sheet or bowl. Strain the water through a cheesecloth into a bowl. (this will get rid of all the debris). Set aside afterward.
Step 4: Get the smoker ready. It should be about 145°F.
Step 5: Smoke the mussels for at least 90 minutes to 2 hours. You need to cook it enough to get that smoky flavor, so don’t overcook it. Make sure the smoker doesn’t get too hot.
Step 6: When the mussels are ready, dip them in the oil and enjoy!
How To Smoke Mussels In The Shell (In Just 4 Easy Steps)
Equipment
- Smoker
Ingredients
- 30 Mussels in the shell
- A cup of cold water
- Fresh Limes
- 2 Tbsps fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- Garlic Butter
- Black Pepper
- White Wine
- Sweet chili relish
- Fresh Parsley or Italian parsley optional
- Smoker
Instructions
- Scrub the outer part of the shell under fresh running water. Then steam the mussels lightly until the shells open.
- Remove the steamed mussels from the shells and drain the water. Lay the cooked mussels with half the shells open.
- To each mussel in its half shell, add a drizzle of olive oil, some white wine, sweet chili relish, garlic butter, and a bit of fresh lime juice or lemon juice. Doing this adds lots of flavor to the mussels and helps them retain their moisture when you smoke them.
- Heat the smoker and cook the mussels for about 45 minutes. You can enjoy your mussels with any accompaniment of your choice.
- You can enjoy them like that or make a delicious seafood salad with them. You can also use them as a side relish with pasta or rice. If you can’t eat them all, don’t put them in a can. Instead, place them in a vacuum seal and put them in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for a long time.
Mussels are delicious, whether they are smoked, steamed, or grilled. What’s your favorite way to do them?
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I am head taste tester at Simply Meat Smoking! I love it grilling, smoking, and getting out in the yard with the kids! The family also love to test all my recipes (especially my EXTRA CRISPY pulled pork, smoky pork loin, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill)
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling adventures with you!
You can read more on our About Us page.
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loved the recipe!!! my mussels came out perfectly smoky and tender!! What sort of wood do you usually use??
Hi William! glad you enjoyed the smoked mussels!! I like to use cherrywood or applewood when