Dive into the rich and savory world of Chinese cuisine with our tantalizing Mussels in Black Bean Sauce! This dish is a delightful fusion of fresh mussels and bold flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Asia. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you can impress your family and friends with a gourmet meal that’s both quick and easy. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mussels
- Black bean sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Red bell pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Start by cleaning the mussels. Rinse them under cold running water, scrubbing the shells with a brush to remove any dirt or debris. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
- Prepare the other ingredients: finely chop 3-4 cloves of garlic and a 1-inch piece of ginger. Slice 2-3 green onions, separating the white and green parts. Dice 1 red bell pepper into small pieces.
- In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and the white parts of the green onions to the wok. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly softened.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of black bean sauce, mixing well with the vegetables. Allow the sauce to heat through for about 1 minute.
- Add the cleaned mussels to the wok. Stir to coat them with the sauce and vegetables. Cover the wok with a lid and allow the mussels to steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have opened up. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the green parts of the green onions just before serving for a fresh touch.
- Serve the mussels hot, directly from the wok or transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious black bean sauce.
Tips
- Choosing Fresh Mussels: Always select fresh mussels that are tightly closed. If any remain open after tapping, discard them to ensure a safe and delicious dish.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your garlic, ginger, and vegetables in advance. This way, you can focus on the cooking process without any interruptions.
- Heat Control: Make sure your oil is hot before adding the garlic and ginger. This will help release their flavors quickly without burning them.
- Steaming Mussels: Cover the wok tightly while steaming the mussels to trap the heat and steam, ensuring they cook evenly and open up perfectly.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your mussels with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful black bean sauce, making every bite a treat!
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. The recipe is versatile, so get creative!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
