Steamed Mussels in Asian Broth with Soup

This is my new favorite mussels recipe. For a long time I was too intimidated by the mussel cleaning process to tackle making them at home, but ever since I finally dared to do it (starting with a mussels in white wine sauce) I’ve made them numerous times.  This recipe though is truly perfect. I feel that mussels usually are served best as an appetizer – still requiring you to come up with a main dish that pairs with the shellfish starter. In this case though, the  mussels enhance the flavor of the soup entree all the while supplying your guests with a two course meal. Make sure to use good quality fish sauce and coconut milk – it makes all the difference. If you can’t find fresh lemongrass the minced tube paste can be substituted but the flavor won’t be as bold (and trust me the aromatic combination of lemongrass and red curry paste is to die for). I have been meaning to make my own red curry paste from scratch because I’m sure it would be significantly better but for now the jarred/canned variety will have to do.

This soup encompasses all my favorite Asian flavor profiles – the creamy silky coconut milk, spicy red curry paste, bite from the ginger and bold lemongrass flavors. So close your eyes, take one whiff of this soup, and you’ll instantly be transported straight into Asia…

Steamed Mussels in Asian Broth with Soup

Start to Finish: 30-40 minutes

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

2 pounds mussels, scrubbed & picked through (discard cracked shells and ones that don’t close when tapped)

1 stalk of lemongrass, white part grated

1 bottle of clam juice  (8 oz)

8 oz white wine (dry)

1-2 inch piece of ginger cut into match sticks

1 can (14oz) of good quality coconut milk, shake the can to mix the fat with the liquid

1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of Thai red curry paste (depends on your spice level)

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

handful bean thread noodles, placed in bowl, topped with boiling water and cooked on low heat for a few minutes

chopped scallions & chili for topping

10-15 medium shrimp, peeled

6 oz Shiitake mushrooms, sliced

2 baby bok choy, sliced

Cilantro, chopped

Sirracha (optional)

Directions:

1. In a wok or large pot, turn heat to medium. When wok is hot but not smoking, add 2 tablespoons curry paste and the lemongrass. Fry for 30 seconds to release the flavors. Add the clam juice, white wine, fish sauce, sugar, coconut milk and ginger. Simmer for 3 minutes. Add more curry paste for a spicier broth.

2. To Steam the mussels: Turn the heat to high and add the mussels. Cover with tight fitting lid. Steam on high for 4-5  minutes. Open lid stir mussels to move them around and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove mussels and sprinkle with scallions and chili. Discard mussels that have not opened.

3. For soup bring liquid mixture to a boil. Add shrimp and shiitake mushrooms. Bring to a boil again and reduce heat, cooking until shrimp is cooked through. Add sliced bok choy remove from heat. Ladle a handful of bean thread noodles into a soup bowl, top with soup and sprinkle with scallions, cilantro and sriracha.