14 Biggest Mistakes To Avoid When Cooking Mussels

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Yellow Star

Not Cleaning the Mussels ProperlyFailing to scrub and de-beard the mussels can leave grit and debris in your dish.

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Using Dead MusselsAlways discard mussels that don’t close when tapped or have cracked shells; they are likely dead and unsafe to eat.

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Yellow Star

Overcrowding the Pot – Cooking too many mussels at once can cause uneven cooking and prevent them from opening properly.

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Yellow Star

Not Adding Enough Liquid – Mussels need sufficient liquid (like wine or broth) to steam properly and create a flavorful broth.

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Yellow Star

Overcooking – Mussels cook quickly, usually within 5-7 minutes; overcooking them makes the meat tough and rubbery.

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Yellow Star

Not Discarding Unopened Mussels – If a mussel doesn’t open after cooking, it should be discarded as it may be unsafe to eat.

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Yellow Star

Skipping the Aromatics – Failing to sauté garlic, onions, or shallots before adding mussels can result in a less flavorful dish.

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Yellow Star

Using Too Much Salt – Mussels release their own briny liquid when cooked, so be careful not to over-salt the dish.

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