Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with just one bite. Our Olive Crusted Mussels with Lemon Butter Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple seafood into an extraordinary gastronomic experience. Crispy olive-infused breadcrumbs, succulent mussels, and a zesty lemon butter sauce come together in a symphony of flavors that will leave your guests absolutely speechless and craving more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 kg fresh mussels, cleaned
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the mussels cook evenly and the crust becomes golden and crispy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped black olives, breadcrumbs, and minced garlic. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Take the cleaned mussels and place them on a baking sheet, opening them slightly if they are not already open. Discard any mussels that are already open and do not close when tapped.
- Using a spoon, generously top each mussel with the olive and breadcrumb mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure it adheres to the mussel.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the juice of one lemon and stir to combine.
- Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the olive-crusted mussels, reserving some for serving.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mussels are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
- While the mussels are baking, prepare your garnish by chopping fresh parsley.
- Once the mussels are done, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle the reserved lemon butter sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the mussels for a fresh finish and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Always use the freshest mussels possible. When purchasing, ensure they smell like the ocean and have tightly closed shells.
- Remove any beards or debris from the mussels before cooking by gently scrubbing under cold water.
- If a mussel doesn't close when tapped, discard it immediately to prevent any foodborne illness.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting your breadcrumbs in a dry pan before mixing with olives and garlic.
- Use high-quality butter and fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the perfect texture and temperature.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled Pinot Grigio for an authentic Mediterranean dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
