Description
Steamed Beer Mussels with Chorizo is a flavorful appetizer that combines fresh mussels with a spicy chorizo-tomato broth made lively with pilsner beer, garlic, and a blend of spices. Finished with fresh lime juice and cilantro, this dish delivers bright, bold flavors and comes together quickly for an impressive starter perfect for sharing with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Mussels and Broth
- 2 pounds fresh, live mussels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground chorizo
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 12 ounces pilsner beer
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Serving
- Crusty bread
Instructions
- Clean Mussels: Rinse mussels thoroughly under cold water to wash away grit. Tap any open mussels and discard those that do not close or any that are cracked, ensuring only live mussels are used.
- Cook Chorizo and Onions: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add ground chorizo and chopped onions, cooking and stirring with a wooden spoon to break up the meat until chorizo is well-browned and onions have softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in tomato paste, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne, and minced garlic. Cook while stirring frequently for 2 minutes to release aromas.
- Deglaze with Beer and Add Liquids: Pour in the pilsner beer, diced tomatoes, and chicken stock. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
- Steam Mussels: Increase heat to medium-high. Add mussels to the pot, cover, and steam for 2 minutes. Uncover, stir gently, making sure the mixture simmers without boiling aggressively; if boiling, reduce heat. Cover again and steam an additional 3 minutes until mussels open fully. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Stir in fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and butter until butter melts. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping and an empty bowl for shells at the table.
Notes
- This dish serves as an elegant appetizer perfect for sharing and impressing guests.
- The spicy chorizo adds a kick that balances beautifully with the fresh, delicate mussels.
- The bright lime juice and cilantro finish add a refreshing burst of flavor.
- The recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a quick yet sophisticated choice.
- Discard any mussels that do not open during cooking to ensure safety and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 1/2 pound mussels with broth)
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 845 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
