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Keto Mussels 🦪

Published: · Updated: by · 1 Comment

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Fresh seafood dishes are a real treat, and this easy Keto Mussels recipe is a game-changer! It offers delicious and spicy flavors of mussels. The best part? You don't have to worry about counting carbs because it's a keto-friendly coastal dish that will surely impress you.

Let's make these spicy mussels!

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closeup image of Chilli Mussels simmering in a cast iron skillet

Preparation and cooking overview

This Low-Carb Mussels Recipe is easy to prepare. Give a few minutes to sautee the ingredients and toss in the fresh mussels. Within 20 minutes, you will have a spicy, buttery dish to enlighten your palate.

Chef's note

Don't forget to clean the mussels before cooking! Rinse them in cold water, remove sandy dirt, and remove the beard. Also, check if any shells are open and close them gently. If they don't close, discard them. We want only fresh mussels for our dish!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🦪 Ingredients for this Keto Mussels recipe

To make these classic keto mussels, here is the ingredient list you have to follow:

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • ½ onion minced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 red chiles minced
  • 1 Roma tomato diced
  • ½ cup broth or white wine
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1.5 pounds of mussels cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient substitutions

  • Avocado oil: Substitute it with coconut oil, but note the taste might differ as coconut oil has a stronger flavor profile.
  • Red chiles: Try red bell peppers instead. They still give an excellent color and sweet flavor.
  • Broth or white wine: If you don't like white wine or broth, try apple cider vinegar.

Additional ingredients

  • Who says you have to use only the suggested ingredients? Feel free to amp up your recipe with these optional additions:
  • Bacon: Bacon and mussels are a match made in heaven! Use a bit of chopped, cooked bacon for a smoky crunch.
  • Heavy cream: Add a tablespoon at the end for a creamy, buttery texture.
  • Olives: Chopped Kalamata or green olives introduce a briny note.
  • Herbs: While the recipe calls for cilantro, swap it with fresh parsley, thyme, or a sprinkle of chopped basil.

Chilli Mussels in a cast iron skillet

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Mussels recipe, you will need the following cooking tools:

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Lid
  • Cooking spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Bowl
  • Brush (for cleaning mussels)
  • Serving dish

Tools substitute options

  • Dutch oven: Use a deep frying pan or a large saucepan.
  • Brush for cleaning mussels: If you don't have one, a new, clean toothbrush or even a rough cloth can do the job.

How to make Keto Mussels: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing
  • Steaming

Preparation steps

  1. Get your ingredients, measure them, and set them aside.
  2. Clean the mussels and discard the dead ones.
  3. Wash your Roma tomatoes, red chilies, cilantro, and lime.
  4. Dice the tomatoes.
  5. Mince the onion, garlic, red chilies, and cilantro.

Cooking instructions

  1. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
  2. Saute the minced garlic, onion, and chili for 3 minutes.
  3. Toss in diced tomato, wine, butter, and lime, and cook another 3 minutes.
  4. Then, add the cleaned mussels, and cover with a lid for 3 minutes.
  5. If none of the shells are open by the end of 3 minutes, turn the heat up slightly and steam for 2 minutes.
  6. Delicious steamed mussels are ready! Top with cilantro and serve.

Note: Most batches will only have 1 or 2 unopened mussels, which you can still eat by prying open the shell once cooked.

Chef's pro tip

Overcooking can produce a tough and rubbery texture when cooking delicate shellfish like mussels. So the trick to prevent this is observing the shells open, indicating they are done. But yes, not all of them will open at the same time. So, as they're cooking, keep an eye on your pan and remove each mussel as it opens. This way, each one gets cooked just right.

What to serve with keto mussels?

These chili mussels are a perfect dinner idea. Enjoy them as a main course and pair other side dishes to complement their flavors. Here are a few examples:

  • Cauliflower rice: This low-carb substitute for traditional rice soaks up the broth nicely and pairs well with this dish.
  • Keto focaccia: A crusty loaf of Keto Focaccia Bread is a perfect combination for scooping out all the curry paste from the dish.
  • Zucchini noodles (zoodles): Light and flavorful, they will soak up the broth and make your meal more satisfying.
  • Keto naan: A Keto Flatbread fits perfectly fine to cherish the curry paste of this dish.
  • Grilled asparagus: The slight bitterness of Grilled Asparagus is a great counterpoint to the spicy mussels.
  • Green salad: A simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to this seafood dish.

While serving with a side isn't that tricky, eating it might be—if you are eating the seafood for the first time! First, detach the mussel from its shell using an empty shell or a small fork, discarding the empty half. Next, drizzle some sauce using a spoon to enhance the flavor. When it comes to eating, you can either slide the mussel directly into your mouth from the shell or use a fork to lift it.

How to make it healthier?

  • Use a low-sodium broth to help reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
  • Choose organic onions, garlic, chilies, and tomatoes.
  • Increase the nutritional profile by adding keto-friendly vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
  • Use wild-caught mussels instead of frozen mussels. It keeps the dish with a healthy and delicious flavor profile.
  • Use ghee instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy clean, debearded mussels: Some stores sell clean mussels already cleaned and debearded, saving you a good chunk of prep time.
  • Use pre-minced garlic: While fresh is always best, pre-minced garlic is a great time saver.
  • Juice more than one lime at a time: If you're a fan of lime in your dishes, juice a few limes at once and store the extra in the fridge for future use.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Clean the mussels: Wash them a few hours before you start cooking. Refrigerate to keep them fresh.
  • Chop your veggies: Dice your tomato and mince your onion, garlic, chilies, and fresh cilantro. Keeping them ready will streamline your cooking process.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but mussels don't freeze well. They become rubbery and lose their delicious flavor. But don't lose your heart yet! You can still store them in the fridge.

  • Refrigerator: Transfer your leftovers to airtight containers within 2 hours. The less air that gets to your mussels, the better they'll keep. They will be good for 2 to 3 days.

Reheating tips

  • Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the leftovers on the stove. Cover them in a saucepan, and heat over medium-low heat until warm. It will take around 5 minutes.
  • Microwave only if necessary: Not the best option, but you can use it if you're in a pinch. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Be sure to stir them halfway through to ensure they heat evenly.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This simple spicy Keto Mussels recipe is the best seafood dinner option: low-carb and keto-friendly! It's a great alternative to expensive seafood. You can even multiply the ingredients to make a big batch!

Who knew something so delish could be this easy to make, right? We hope you have a blast making it as much as we did. Remember to share your cooking experience. We'd love to hear how this spicy, nutritious delight turned out for you. After all, cooking is an adventure best shared!

Frequently asked questions

Eating mussels can be done in two ways. You can either slide the mussel directly into your mouth from the shell or use a fork to lift it, discarding the empty half. Drizzle some sauce over the mussel using a spoon to enhance the flavor.

Certainly! Clams are the closest substitute, but remember that they take longer to cook than mussels.

Absolutely! If you don't like the heat, you can either reduce the amount of red chilies or omit them entirely. If that's the other way around, add more. You can also add some black pepper.

Yes, you can substitute white wine with chicken or vegetable broth. This will provide your dish with a rich flavor without adding alcohol.

Fresh mussels should have a pleasant sea smell, not a fishy odor. Their shells should close when tapped. If a mussel's shell remains open and doesn't close when tapped, it is likely, not fresh and should be discarded.

Certainly! Some good options include bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just ensure that the vegetables you choose are compatible with a keto diet.

📖 Recipe

closeup image of Chilli Mussels simmering in a cast iron skillet

Chilli Mussels

These Spicy Keto Chilli Mussels are super easy to make and a perfect low-carb option to satisfy your seafood cravings!
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 30-minute, keto mussels, seafood
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 236kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • ½ onion minced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 red chiles minced
  • 1 Roma tomato diced
  • ½ cup broth or white wine
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1.5 pound mussels cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
  • Saute the minced garlic, onion, and chili for 3 minutes.
  • Toss in diced tomato, wine, butter, and lime, and cook another 3 minutes.
  • Then, add the cleaned mussels, and cover with a lid for 3 minutes.
  • If none of the shells are open by the end of 3 minutes, turn the heat up slightly and steam for 2 minutes.
  • Delicious steamed mussels are ready! Top with cilantro and serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Chilli Mussels
Amount Per Serving
Calories 236 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 39mg13%
Sodium 254mg11%
Potassium 445mg13%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 671IU13%
Vitamin C 48mg58%
Calcium 40mg4%
Iron 4mg22%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ron Inglis says

    What about the Keto Focaccia?

    Reply

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