Spicy New Zealand Mussels: A Recipe by Carmelita Seafood

Spicy New Zealand Mussels Recipe

These plump New Zealand green shell mussels are topped with a creamy, spicy, and sweet coconut dressing, making them a perfect dish for lunch or a shared platter.

Course: Lunch, Salad, Sharing Platter, Side Dish
Cuisine: New Zealand, Thai
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 473 kcal

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (2.2 pounds) Fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• Salad:
• 1 Red bell pepper, diced
• ½ Red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 Green chilies, thinly sliced
• 1 Spring onion, thinly sliced
• Bunch of fresh cilantro
• 1 Lemon, cut into wedges
• Spicy Coconut Dressing:
• 60 ml (2 fl oz) Water
• 60 g (2.1 oz) Caster sugar
• 60 ml (2 fl oz) White vinegar
• 60 ml (2 fl oz) Fish sauce
• 1 Red chili, deseeded and minced
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 300 ml (10.1 fl oz) Coconut cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:
• In a bowl, mix together the water, sugar, white vinegar, and fish sauce until the sugar dissolves.
• Add the minced chili, garlic, and coconut cream, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Cook the Mussels:
• Scrub and debeard the mussels. Heat a large pot with a lid over high heat.
• Once the pot is hot, add the mussels with a splash of water, cover, and steam until the mussels open. Remove from heat and let cool. Discard any mussels that don’t open.
• Remove one shell from each mussel, leaving them half-shelled.
3. Assemble the Dish:
• Place the half-shelled mussels in a large bowl. Add the diced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, green chilies, and spring onion.
• Pour the coconut dressing over the mussels and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve:
• Arrange the mussels on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges. Serve and enjoy!

This recipe is perfect for showcasing the rich flavors of New Zealand green shell mussels, combined with a vibrant and zesty dressing. Enjoy this dish, brought to you by Carmelita Seafood!