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This Portuguese-style mussels recipe is a pure seafood delicacy made with fresh ingredients and cooked in minutes.

Seafood takes a very important place in Portuguese cuisine. Portugal is surrounded by the ocean and has a huge variety of seafood products which lead to delicious recipes like this one.

Mussels are always served fresh with salsa. It can be salsa verde or salsa with chopped and marinated peppers and onions. I love them both, but I think Portuguese Salsa Verde is definitely a winner. It gives so much flavor to the mussels.

In Portuguese mussels are called “mexilhao”. This recipe is very traditional, and usually, mussels are served refrigerated.

Mussels are usually prepared before lunch or dinner and then served as appetizers in restaurants. You can grab a few and enjoy with delicious torrada com manteiga, which means toasted bread with butter.

If you want to serve them as the main dish, you need to grab two pounds of them (one kilo) for a company of two.

Try this Wine Steamed Mussels recipe if you want to visit France this time. So good and super easy! 😉

How do you buy mussels?

Typically, mussels are sold in nets, or bags, so you can grab a fresh net and clean them at home.

How to choose mussels?

When you buy mussels, ask your local seafood store if they have fresh mussels in stock. It is better to buy fresh mussels as they taste better and fresher. But of course, if you don’t have fresh, you can buy frozen mussels.

What other ingredients do I need?

You will also need sweet onion, white wine vinegar, red and green pepper optional, olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley.

How to clean mussels?

When you open the bag or in my case it is a net, place mussels in cold water. Leave mussels for 1 hour at least. Some of them will open, and others – not.

You only need to choose the closed mussels.

If it is open or broken – throw them away. They are already spoiled.

You can clean the mussels under the running water and cut the “hair” with scissors (or tear off with your hands). I find this method is a little harder than scissors.

Once you clean the mussels, you’re ready to move on to preparing the rest of your ingredients and cooking the mussels quickly. With clean, fresh mussels and the right preparation, you’ll create a delicious and satisfying Portuguese-style mussel dish that’s sure to impress.

Can I add other flavors to these Portuguese-style mussels?

Absolutely, you can add some spices or herbs, such as dill or green onion, fresh chopped basil, chopped tomatoes, or dry oregano, it will change the flavor of this dish.

Is wine used in this recipe?

Yes, I use simple table white wine. You can also use table red wine if you have it. You only need 2 ounces of wine. All alcohol will be evaporated during the cooking time. So, you can taste only delicious flavors. Wine is really optional for this Portuguese-style mussels recipe.

If you plan to serve this Portuguese-style mussels recipe as the main dish for dinner or lunch serve them with these Simple Boiled Red Potatoes.

You can also enjoy them with Sparkling Mango Raspberry Sangria.

Made this recipe?

Please share your thoughts about this recipe in the comments below. What did you like the most? Did you make any modifications?

Share the recipe with your family & friends and tag @HelenaRecipes on social media if you’ve made it! 😉

Want another recipe?

Follow me on Pinterest and on the Food Bloggers’ Directory.
And check out these other yummy seafood recipes that you will love:

• Octopus Salad
• Octopus In Port Wine
• Shrimp Quiche

Video

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And a a short 1-min version: