Clear and Refreshing Mussel Soup: A Simple Recipe
Clear and Refreshing Mussel Soup: A Simple Recipe
How to Make Mussel Soup with Fresh Mussels: From Simple Preparation to Refreshing Broth Secrets
Enjoy a delicious and deeply refreshing mussel soup made with fresh mussels, which are in season and affordably priced! This soup boasts a rich, savory flavor from the mussels themselves, enhanced by a clear, milky broth, making it incredibly delicious even with just a pinch of salt. It’s a perfect appetizer or side dish, especially paired with drinks. Mussels are best cooked in their shells to maximize their flavor. Simply ensure the shells are clean and the ‘beards’ (byssal threads) are removed before cooking. This recipe is wonderfully quick and easy as it doesn’t require a separate purging or soaking process. Mussels are packed with nutrients like iron and calcium, making them a great choice for growing children. Plus, their low fat and calorie content make them an excellent option for those managing their diet. We’ll guide you step-by-step through preparing the mussels and cooking this delightful soup.
Ingredients- 1kg fresh mussels
- 800ml water
- 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine or mirin (to remove fishiness)
- 7-8 cloves garlic
- 1 Korean chili pepper (optional, for spiciness)
- 1 red chili pepper (optional, for color)
- 1/2 large green onion (scallion)
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by thoroughly cleaning the mussel shells. Before removing the beards, gently scrub the outer shells of the mussels under running water with your hands to remove any dirt or grit. This step ensures a cleaner broth. Prepare the vegetables as well. Slice 7-8 cloves of garlic thinly into rounds. While minced garlic can be used, sliced garlic creates a clearer, cleaner soup. If using minced garlic, about 1.5 tablespoons will suffice. Next, thinly slice the green onion and chili peppers diagonally.
Step 2
Remove the ‘beards’ or byssal threads from the mussels. These are fibrous strands that mussels secrete. Grasp the beard firmly and pull it towards the hinge side of the mussel (opposite to where the shell opens). This technique helps to remove the beard cleanly without pulling out the mussel meat.
Step 3
Once the beards are removed, place the cleaned mussels in a colander and rinse them under cold water. Add about 2 tablespoons of salt. (Adding salt at this stage and gently scrubbing helps to further clean the mussels and encourage them to release any remaining sand or grit. You will rinse thoroughly afterwards, so don’t worry.)
Step 4
Rinse the mussels thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt. Drain them well in a colander. The mussels are now ready to be cooked.
Step 5
Place the prepared mussels in a pot and add 800ml of water. The water level should be sufficient to partially cover the mussels. Cooking them from the start with the water allows the mussels to open up as they cook and release their delicious, natural broth, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
Step 6
Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Covering the pot can speed up the boiling process.
Step 7
Once the water comes to a boil, add the sliced garlic, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (or mirin), and 0.5 teaspoon of salt to season. Mussels have a naturally sweet and savory flavor, so only a small amount of salt is needed to achieve a delicious taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 8
Add about 5-6 twists of black pepper. The cooking wine and pepper help to eliminate any fishiness and add depth of flavor. Bring the soup back to a boil and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 9
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onion and chili peppers. Stir gently. Avoid overcooking the vegetables, as they can become mushy. A brief simmer after adding them is sufficient. Adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your desired level of spiciness. You can add more Korean chili peppers for an extra kick.
Step 10
And there you have it – a wonderfully refreshing and flavorful seasonal mussel soup! It’s a quick and satisfying dish, perfect for a busy evening. This 1kg batch, made from an affordably purchased quantity of mussels, yields a generous pot that the whole family can enjoy. With just a few simple preparation steps – cleaning the shells and removing the beards – anyone can easily create this delightful dish. It’s an excellent appetizer or a light, flavorful soup that’s both sweet and savory. Enjoy your delicious homemade mussel soup!
