Mussels Thai Style will be the star of your table, whether served with rice, noodles or even as a side! Made with delectable Canadian mussels and seasoned in a flavourful Thai-style broth, this super easy Thai seafood recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish.
About Thai Cooking
Thai cuisine is one of the world’s most flavourful and distinct. I’ve always been a huge fan, and a recent visit to Thailand has me hungering for more. We were able to take a Thai cooking class while there, and we learned that almost all Thai dishes have 4 balanced elements. Those are: salty, sour, sweet, and spicy. The typical ingredients for that balance are:
- Salty: Fish sauce, soy sauce
- Sour: Rice vinegar, lemon, or lime juice. (If adding the sour aspect while cooking, use the vinegar, and then use lemon or lime for a finished dish.)
- Sweet: Typically palm or coconut sugar
- Spicy: Chilies or chile paste
In addition, Thai cooks also use ginger, kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk, lemongrass, peanuts, and garlic for many of their dishes. Also, galangal, which looks similar to ginger, but has a very different taste, is a key ingredient that gives Thai dishes that distinct flavour. Here’s more info on galangal: Ginger vs Galangal.
What are Mussels?
I’m cooking with Blue Mussels for my Mussels Thai Style recipe, which are the most common mussels for eating. Mussels are bivalve, with a hinged shell. They grow along northern coastal regions on rocky shores, by attaching themselves to rocks, using a muscular foot. They are also cultivated in many northern hemisphere countries. Mussels are delicious and super easy to cook. Also, they are pretty economical in comparison to other seafood.
Here’s What You Need to Make Mussels Thai Style
- Thai red curry paste: Most Thai curry pastes, (and in fact, most Thai recipes) are gluten-free, but if it is a concern, be sure to check the label before buying.
- Fresh blue mussels: Mussels, (and most shellfish) are fairly high in sodium, so be sure to use low sodium or no salt added stock.
- Coconut sugar: Brown sugar can be substituted for coconut sugar.
- Vegetable stock low sodium or no salt added: Chicken or fish stock can be substituted for vegetable stock.
- Fresh limes: Plenty of lime juice really makes this dish extra flavourful, so serve with lots of wedges.
- Additional ingredients: Minced ginger, minced garlic cloves, chopped cilantro, and fish sauce
How to Make Mussels Thai Style, Step By Step
What I love about this dish, first, is how simple it is! Just some stock, simmered with Thai flavours, and fresh, local mussels. Second, It has all of the flavour elements of a delicious Thai dish. Finally, it’s delicious and nutritious.
Step 1: Sauté Stock and Seasonings
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine stock, curry paste, ginger, garlic, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
Step 2: Add and Cook Mussels
Add mussels to the pot, cover, and cook until mussels are open, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve Mussels Thai Style
Remove from heat, sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime wedges
Make Sure Your Mussels are Fresh
Fresh mussels have a clean, fresh ocean smell, and won’t smell fishy. If any of your mussels are open before cooking, tap the shell with a spoon. The shell should close, but if not, discard. Give your mussels a good rinse before cooking. After cooking, discard any mussels that don’t open after 5 minutes.
Mussel Nutrition
Mussels are very nutritious. They are an excellent source of iron and Vitamin B12 (higher than beef) and a good source of zinc. In addition, they are also high in protein, heart-healthy unsaturated fats, and low in calories.
Choose Sustainable Seafood
When buying any seafood, be sure to look for the Ocean Wise® label to ensure that your choice is sustaining the health of our oceans. You can download their February 2019 Master Seafood List as an excellent guide to what is recommended for ocean sustainability and what is not. Check out these other sustainable seafood recipes, too: Spanish Fish Stew, Pan Seared Scallops in Chardonnay Butter Sauce, or Cajun Crab Cakes.
If you love Thai food, you might also want to check out Thai Red Curry Chicken Soup, or Thai Peach Chicken.
Mussels Thai Style
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable stock low sodium or no salt added
- 3 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 2 tbsp ginger minced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 lb fresh blue mussels
- 2 limes cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine stock, curry paste, ginger, garlic, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Add mussels to the pot, cover, and cook until mussels are open, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime wedges
Notes
- Mussels, (and most shellfish) are fairly high in sodium, so be sure to use a low sodium or no salt added stock.
- Chicken or fish stock can be substituted for vegetable stock.
- Plenty of lime juice really makes this dish extra flavourful, so serve with lots of wedges.
- Most Thai curry pastes are gluten-free, but if it is a concern, be sure to check the label before buying.
- Brown sugar can be substituted for the coconut sugar.
Nutrition
I’m such a huge fan of seafood. Must be my mediterranean family roots. I could live on food like this. And oh boy does this recipe sounds delicious. I love all the flavors you paired with these delicious mussels. It’s one big yum that I need to try.
Hi Natalie! This dish really is one big yum, and I hope you try it soon. Enjoy!
I am literally over here drooling These Thai style muscles look so juicy. I have never had muscles this way but now I HAVE to 🙂
Haha, Analida, drooling is definitely a compliment, thank you! You will love these. Enjoy!
I don’t have ready access to fresh seafood here in Oklahoma, but when I do find it I make sure to always get mussels. This looks amazing, and that sauce absolutely divine
Thanks Karyl! I often find frozen seafood that works great for recipes, when I can’t get it fresh, so that’s another option.
These Thai style mussels sound like the perfect combination of spicy curry and hearty seafood. It looks so, so good.
Sharon, so, so good describes these Thai Style mussels perfectly!
We love mussels and have been making them the same for a while. This is a wonderful spicy take on the mussels. We really just discovered how much we enjoy Thai food — this will be a great alternative to the way we’ve been making our fish.
Marisa, if you love mussels and Thai food, you will love this dish, I promise!
I had a bad experience with mussels (they were definitely not fresh!) so I’ve shied away from them. But I’d definitely be willing to revisit them by trying this recipe – LUV Thai food! And very interesting about ginger vs galangal – I hadn’t even heard of galangal! And beautiful photos, by the way!
How aweful to have a bad experience with not so fresh mussels, Terri! I would also shy away in that case. I really hope you do revisit them, though. When fresh, they are wonderful, especially in this Thai broth. And, Thank You, for your kind words!
This looks so delicious! I love dishes with red curry (as does my husband) so I’m sure we’ll adore this!
I think you and your husband really will adore these mussels, Claire. Enjoy!
Looks soo good! Love Thai flavours! Can’t wait to try it.
Hi Melissa! If you love Thai flavours, you should definitely make this. You’ll be so glad you did!
I must try your recipe very soon, Colleen – a Double batch with mussels and again with fish (my husband has a shellfish allergy) – it sounds so delicious! I can imagine sopping up that yummy sauce with a French baguette and a glass of wine – I am ready! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Denise, This Thai broth would be just as delicious with fish, and a french baguette, and a glass of wine complete the meal. Enjoy!
Gorgeous dish! I can’t wait to share it with my family. I’ve never made Thai food before, but I will give this one a try. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks so much Marilyn. I hope you and your family love these and it’s a great intro to Thai cooking, too.
What a great idea to take a cooking class while you were visiting. Such a great way to ensure that you bring the flavours home with you.
These look so delicious. I love mussels and I know they are easy to cook and yet I have never tried to make them. Pinning so that I have it when I do!
Hi Kim, I think a cooking class is a must for travel from now on! These mussels are delicious and easy, so I know you will love them!
The flavors sound amazing! This is a wonderful dish for those who love mussels for sure!
Thanks Denise!
Mussels are one of my favourite appetizers to order when we go to restaurants, but I’ve never cooked them at home. The Thai flavours in this recipe really make me want to give them a try!
Hi Leanne, I think that once you cook mussels at home, you will prob never order them in a restaurant again! I really do hope that you give this crazy delish recipe a try. 🙂
Mussels are so great and underrated. Add the beautiful Thai flavors and I’m sure this dish is the bomb. Nice that you took a cooking class in Thailand, what an experience!
I agree that mussels are underrated! But yes, I would say that this dish is the bomb. 🙂 Cooking classes in other countries are always such a great experience.
This recipe is EVERYTHING I love! Thai Curry and sustainable Canadian seafood and quick and easy too! Thanks for this easy to follow yummy recipe!
You’re so welcome, Sabrina. I’m sure you will love these mussels. Enjoy!
Colleen I’m so pumped to make this sometime this week. I absolutely love that you made this Thai style – those flavors are incredible together. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
You’re so welcome, Kristen! I’m sure you will love these mussels and how easy this dish is to make. Enjoy!
These look delicious! I love mussels and Thai flavours are totally my jam! look forward to trying these!
Sounds like you will definitely love these, Carrie! Enjoy!
I love mussels and anything Thai, therefore, I know this will be perfect for me. I love the curry flavored broth they are served in.
Jacquelyn, mussels and Thai are really perfect together, and the broth is so flavourful. Enjoy!
Wow! I am drooling over these mussels! I love them and I love Thai food! What a great combination and I literally can’t wait to make them. Hubby is going to be happy when I do make this, for sure!
Hi Elaine! These mussels are definitely drool worthy. 🙂 I think you and hubby are going to love them. Enjoy!
If you know me at all, you’ll know that I ADORE Thai. I’ve never cooked with mussels but I thoroughly enjoy eating them. I think I’d really like this. Maybe I’ll try it out for my next date night with the hubs!
Katherine, if you adore Thai, and thoroughly enjoy eating mussels, then this is the perfect dish for you! And, it’s a perfect date night dish, too. Enjoy!
I love mussels, we always have a fresh local supply of them, but for some reason I don’t cook them very often. Your recipe has inspired me! Thanks! Love these flavours!
You’re so welcome, Elaine! Of course you would have a fresh local supply of mussels! I’m kind of in love with cooking with them right now! Enjoy.
Such great flavors in this mussels dish! And it’s so easy to prep! I used to be intimidated by mussels but so glad I moved past that, because they make such a wonderful dinner, and are really fun to make with bold flavors like this!
Hi Monica. I used to feel the same way about shellfish in general, but I realize now that it’s one of the easiest things to cook, and they do make a wonderful dinner.
This is such a great dish! I love everything from the flavours to the ease of cooking. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Courtney! Great flavours and ease of cooking are the best combo. 🙂
That curry flavored broth sounds absolutely incredible. Definitely perfect for pairing with the mussels. I love how easy it is too.
Hi Tara, Thai flavours really are incredible with mussels. And yes, so easy to make this!
Your pictures really highlight your mussels thai style. I think it is so fun that you took a cooking class while on your trip. Sounds like the perfect trip.
Thanks so much Kelly! The cooking class was really fun, and one of the highlights of the trip for sure!
I love mussels and Thai cuisine, so this awesome dish is so my kinda dinner. Super delicious!
Hi Edyta, If you love mussels and Thai cuisine, you will for sure love this dish! Enjoy!