Ina Garten Mussels With Basil Breadcrumbs Recipe

This Ina Garten Mussels With Basil Breadcrumbs is a light and flavorful seafood recipe, which includes fresh mussels and a crispy Parmesan-basil topping. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in just 30 minutes.

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Ina Garten Mussels With Basil Breadcrumbs Ingredients

For the Mussels:

• 2 pounds fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Basil Breadcrumbs:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Ina Garten Mussels With Basil Breadcrumbs

1. Prepare the mussels: Scrub mussels under cold water and remove beards. Discard any that don’t close when tapped.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook shallots for 2 minutes, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Steam the mussels: Add white wine, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then add mussels. Cover and steam 5–7 minutes until opened. Discard any unopened mussels. Stir in butter and toss to coat.
4. Make the basil breadcrumbs: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toast panko for 2–3 minutes until golden. Transfer to a bowl and mix with basil, Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
5. Broil the mussels: Preheat broiler. Transfer mussels to a baking dish, spoon over some broth, and top with breadcrumb mixture. Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
6. Serve immediately: Plate the mussels and serve with crusty bread for soaking up the broth.

Recipe Tips

• How to tell if mussels are fresh: They should be tightly closed or close when tapped. Discard any that don’t.
• Can I prepare the breadcrumb topping ahead? Yes, toast and mix the breadcrumbs a day in advance.
• What wine is best for mussels? A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
• Can I skip broiling? Yes, but the crispy topping adds a great texture.
• How to clean mussels: Scrub the shells and pull off beards under cold water before cooking.

What To Serve With Mussels

Pair this dish with light sides and bread:

• Crusty French baguette
• Garlic butter noodles
• Simple arugula salad
• Lemon rice or couscous
• Grilled vegetables

How To Store Mussels

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in broth.

Freeze: Not recommended—mussels lose texture when frozen.

Mussels With Basil Breadcrumbs Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Calcium: 150mg
• Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mussels?
Fresh is best, but frozen mussels in the shell can be used if properly thawed.

Can I make this dish without wine?
Yes, substitute with seafood broth or a mix of water and lemon juice.

What’s a good cheese alternative to Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago work well.

How long do mussels take to cook?
Just 5–7 minutes—remove them as soon as they open.

Can I use dried basil instead?
Use only fresh basil for this recipe—the flavor and texture are key.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil Recipe
• Ina Garten Eggplant Lasagna Recipe
• Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe