Steamed Mussels in Thai Basil-Coconut Sauce
Fresh mussels are steamed in white wine, then lightly simmered in a basil-coconut sauce that's simply divine. Perfect as an appetizer or a romantic dinner for two.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 2 persons
Ingredients
- 1pound fresh mussels
- 1thumb-size piece galanga, or ginger, grated
- 2shallots, or 1/4 cup onion, chopped finely
- 3cloves garlic, minced
- ½red chile (finely sliced), optional
- ⅓cup white wine, or white cooking wine
- ½cup fresh basil and coriander leaves, chopped, garnish
- For the Basil-Coconut Sauce:
- 1cup coconut milk
- ½teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼cup fresh coriander, leaves and stems
- ½to 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1tablespoon fish sauce
- 1teaspoon shrimp paste , or substitute 1 more tablespoon fish sauce
- 1tablespoon lime juice
- 1tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
Step 1
Gather the ingredients.Step 2
Rinse mussels under cold water. Set in refrigerator until ready to use.Step 3
Place all 'Basil-Coconut Sauce' ingredients in a food processor. Process well. Taste test for salt, adding more fish sauce if not salty enough. If too salty for your taste, add a little more lime juice. Add more chili for a spicier sauce. Set aside.Step 4
Heat a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons oil and swirl around, then add the galangal or ginger, shallots or onion, garlic, and chili (if using). Stir-fry 2 minutes.Step 5
Add white wine and mussels, stirring gently. Bring to a boil.Step 6
Reduce heat to simmer (medium-low) and cover with lid to steam 3 minutes.Step 7
Take off lid and stir gently. If most of the mussels have opened, they are ready to eat. Discard the ones that haven't opened.Step 8
Reduce heat to low. Remove lid and add the basil-coconut sauce. Stir gently. As soon as the sauce is warm, this dish is ready (30 seconds to 1 minute).Step 9
To serve, slide mussels and sauce onto a serving platter, mounding them into a pile. Sprinkle with chopped basil and fresh coriander . If desired, serve with a fresh French loaf, or garlic toast to soak up the juices. Enjoy with a bottle of nice wine and a loved one!