Beer Steamed Mussels

This is one my my top ten favorite dinners. We make this all the time in the summer - and you should too! A giant bowl of fresh mussels is one of the most amazing summer dinners.  Here in the Pacific Northwest we are so lucky to be surrounded by waters filled with delicious, plump mussels.  Grab a loaf of crusty bread, gather your family and enjoy a casual dinner together!

Beer Steamed Mussels

Serves 4

4 lb mussels, scrubbed and beards removed

2 8-ounce beers (light ones like Rainier)

2 strips bacon

½ onion, diced

½ cup basil, ripped

¼ cup chives, chopped

2 tbs butter

1 tsp sea salt

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 tsp red pepper flakes

2 cloves garlic

STEP 1

In a large skillet, cook together bacon and onions until soft and bacon has rendered at least one tablespoon of fat.

STEP 2

Add butter, basil, chives, garlic, and red pepper flakes.  Stir to soften for about 1 minute

STEP 3

Pour in beer and mussels.  Cover with a tight fitting lid and let steam over medium heat until mussels have opened. 

STEP 4

Discard any mussels that haven’t opened and serve with crusty bread.

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