Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Laura Lee's›Zing – Zang Mussels Recipe

Zing – Zang Mussels Recipe

Inspired by Laura Lee's
Time35m
Serves4

spicy bloody mary broth, grilled bread

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Ingredients

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Mussels & Broth

Grilled Bread & Garnish

Method

Mussels & Broth

  1. 1

    Prep mussels

    Rinse mussels under cold water, discard any that are cracked or remain open when tapped. Remove beards by pulling toward hinge. Set cleaned mussels in a bowl in the refrigerator while you prepare the broth.

  2. 2

    Sauté aromatics

    In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet with a lid, heat 2 tbs olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add finely chopped shallot, diced celery and minced garlic. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant, but not browned.

  3. 3

    Build the Bloody Mary base

    Add 2 cups tomato juice and 1 cup clam juice (or fish stock) to the pot. Stir to combine. Add 1 tbs vodka, 1 tsp prepared horseradish, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 6 dashes hot sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground black pepper and 1 tsp kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

  4. 4

    Adjust seasoning & acid

    Taste the broth and adjust heat and tang: add more hot sauce for spice, or an extra 1 tbs lemon juice if you want brighter acidity. Once the broth is well-balanced (spicy, savory, slightly tangy), keep it at a steady simmer.

  5. 5

    Cook mussels

    Increase heat to medium-high and add the cleaned mussels to the simmering broth. Cover the pot and steam for 4–6 minutes, gently shaking the pot once or twice. Check after 4 minutes — mussels should pop open. Discard any that remain tightly closed after cooking.

  6. 6

    Finish and herb

    Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tbs chopped parsley, 1 tbs chopped cilantro (if using) and 2 tbs lemon juice. Spoon some of the broth over the mussels and cover again for 1 minute to meld flavors.

Grilled Bread & Garnish

  1. 7

    Prepare bread

    While the mussels cook, heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Brush both sides of each bread slice lightly with olive oil (and a thin smear of butter if using).

  2. 8

    Grill bread

    Place slices on the hot grill or grill pan. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until crisp and grill marks appear. Remove and keep warm.

  3. 9

    Assemble & serve

    Ladle mussels and generous amounts of the spicy Bloody Mary broth into shallow bowls. Place 3–4 grilled bread slices alongside or on top to soak up broth. Garnish with extra parsley or microgreens, a lemon wedge, and offer additional hot sauce at the table. Serve immediately.

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