Steamed Mussels Recipe
Fresh, plump mussels gently steamed to perfection, served in a bold, spicy Arrabbiata sauce.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mussels
Arrabbiata Sauce
Method
Preparing the Mussels
- 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
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
- 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
- 4
- 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.
- 6
Finish the Sauce
Stir in the chopped basil and parsley just before serving to add freshness to the sauce.
Serving
- 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.

