Jun 09 2026
RestaurantsPacino's Italian RestaurantSteamed Mussels Recipe

Steamed Mussels Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Fresh, plump mussels gently steamed to perfection, served in a bold, spicy Arrabbiata sauce.

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Ingredients

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Mussels

Arrabbiata Sauce

Method

Preparing the Mussels

  1. 1

    Clean the Mussels

    Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing the shells gently with a brush to remove any dirt or barnacles. Remove the beards (the fibrous threads) by pulling them towards the hinge of the shell.

  2. 2

    Check for Freshness

    Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped. Also, discard any that are broken or damaged.

Cooking the Mussels

  1. 3

    Steam the Mussels

    In a large pot, add 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the cleaned mussels, cover the pot, and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.

Making the Arrabbiata Sauce

  1. 4

    Sauté the Garlic

    In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

  2. 5

    Add Spices and Tomatoes

    Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, canned crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

  3. 6

    Finish the Sauce

    Stir in the chopped basil and parsley just before serving to add freshness to the sauce.

Serving

  1. 7

    Combine and Serve

    Once the mussels are cooked and opened, transfer them to a serving bowl. Pour the Arrabbiata sauce over the mussels and serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

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