Are you planning a meal with mussels and you don’t want to risk running out? Or worse, having too many and having to deal with leftovers for days? Don’t panic, we will see together how many mussels per person so you can be sure to delight your guests without waste. And because I’m nice, I will also give you preparation tips, recipe ideas, and little tips so your mussels are always top-notch.
Calculate the right quantity according to the type of meal
The first thing to know is that it all depends on the type of meal you plan to make. A fancy dinner with mussels as an appetizer? A big mussel and fries party where everyone indulges? The portions vary depending on that.
For a main course
If your mussels are the main course, plan between 500g and 1kg per person. Why this range? It depends on the appetite of your guests. If you invite big eaters or accompany your mussels with fries, bread, and tasty sauces, aim more towards 700g to 1kg per person. If you’re having a lighter meal, 500g is more than enough.
Quick summary table to make sure:
| Type of meal | Quantity per person |
|---|---|
| Main course | 500g to 1kg |
| Appetizer | 300g to 400g |
| Aperitif | 200g to 300g |
As an appetizer or aperitif
Mussels as an appetizer are a nice touch. Here, you can plan a little less, around 300g to 400g per person. The idea is not to fill up your guests before the main course. For an aperitif, even less: 200g to 300g of mussels will be enough for everyone to nibble without getting too full.
Tips for preparing and cooking mussels
Now that you know how many mussels to buy, let’s talk a bit about preparation. Because let’s not lie, mussels are super tasty… but a bit of a pain to prepare if you don’t know the tricks.
How to choose fresh mussels?
It’s super simple. Fresh mussels must be tightly closed. If they are open, it’s not a good sign, unless they close when you tap on them. If they remain open, you can throw them away, they’re dead. As for the smell, it should be seawater-like but not disgusting. Trust your nose!
Another tip: always give them a good rinse under cold water before cooking them. No need to soak them for hours, a good rinse and you’re good to go. If you see mussels with broken shells, toss them out too.
Ideal cooking methods for your mussels
Cooking mussels is an art. But don’t worry, we will simplify it. The best is a marinière cooking. Sauté onions, garlic, a little white wine in a large saucepan, then add the mussels and cover. 3 to 5 minutes, and they’re ready. The shells open by themselves, it’s magical.
If you want to vary the pleasures, you can also cook them on the barbecue (yes, it’s possible!). Put them in a cast-iron skillet on the grill and let them cook with a little lemon juice, it’s amazing.
Recipe ideas with mussels
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get down to business. Mussel recipes! Because once you know how many mussels to buy and how to prepare them, you need to know what to do with them.
Classic marinière mussels
The classic recipe for marinière mussels is one that everyone loves. Sauté shallots, deglaze with white wine, add a little parsley, and there you go, add your mussels. In a few minutes, they’re ready. The secret here is to add a splash of fresh cream at the end for an even more gourmet touch.
Mussels in garlic cream
For those who love garlic, I recommend the mussels in garlic cream version. Sauté garlic, add a little cream, then throw the mussels in. Simple and effective.
Barbecue mussels
And if you want to impress your guests, try the barbecue mussels. Yes, it’s original, but it’s super tasty. Put them in a cast-iron skillet with some garlic and parsley, place the skillet on the barbecue grill and let them cook for a few minutes. Delicious!
Why you should avoid common mistakes
When cooking mussels, we often make the same mistakes. So here’s a little list of things to never do:
- Soaking mussels for too long: it makes them soft and unappetizing.
- Not rinsing them properly: no one wants to bite into a piece of sand.
- Cooking mussels for too long: they become rubbery. There’s no need to exceed 5 minutes of cooking.
By following these tips, you’ll be the king (or queen) of mussels!
The benefits of eating mussels
In addition to being delicious, mussels are great for your health. They are rich in proteins, omega-3, and vitamins. In short, you treat yourself while doing good for your body. What more could you ask for?
Other dishes with mussels
If you want to try something different, know that there are plenty of other ways to cook mussels. For example, you can make pasta with mussels, gratinéed mussels, or even mussel pies. It’s a change and it’s just as good!
So there you go, now you’re a real pro when it comes to mussels! You know how many to buy, how to prepare them, cook them, and even how to avoid mistakes. Your guests will feast, and you will never have to worry about not having enough anymore.
Before you go, feel free to share this article with your foodie friends on social media or check out our other guides to become a Michelin-starred chef in your kitchen! You can also get cooking equipment (like a mussel pan or seafood accessories) to make your next meal even easier to prepare. Enjoy your meal!
Céline, a crêpe enthusiast, shares her recipes and tips on her blog dedicated to this culinary art. As a passionate blogger, she explores all aspects of crêpes, from traditional to innovative creations. Join her for delicious and inspiring culinary adventures!
