With these 15 sensational sauces at your disposal, you can take your mussels from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you prefer classic, spicy, exotic, or creamy flavors, there’s a sauce on this list to satisfy every palate. Bon appétit.
Mussels, with their delicate texture and briny flavor, are a culinary delight that deserve to be celebrated. And, while mussels are exquisite on their own, pairing them with the perfect sauce can elevate their taste to sublime levels.
Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or crave something bold and adventurous, I’ve gathered 15 tasty sauces that will take your mussels from delicious to unforgettable.
Try them all today and find out which one you like the best.
PS – Be sure to check out these 45+ Sides for Mussels too!
The BEST Sauces for Mussels
Marinara SauceMussels Marinara is a quick & easy recipe to make at home. Serve them with crusty bread as an appetizer, or over pasta as an entree.
Get the RECIPE
White Wine & Lemon Sauce Steamed mussels in white wine and lemon juice! This steamed mussels recipe is everything and so simple to make.
Get the RECIPE from Lindsey Eats LA
Spanish Romesco SauceIndulge in the smoky, nutty allure of Spain with this robust sauce. Made from roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and a touch of paprika, it infuses your mussels with a deep, earthy flavor that will transport you to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast.
Get the RECIPE
Traditional White Wine and Garlic Butter Sauce
A classic that never fails, this aromatic sauce combines the richness of melted butter with the subtle sweetness of white wine and the pungent allure of fresh garlic. It’s a timeless combination that complements the natural sweetness of mussels.
Get the RECIPE from The Modern Proper
A classic that never fails, this aromatic sauce combines the richness of melted butter with the subtle sweetness of white wine and the pungent allure of fresh garlic. It’s a timeless combination that complements the natural sweetness of mussels.
Italian Fra Diavolo SauceFor those who enjoy a little heat, this spicy Italian sauce is a must-try. Bursting with flavors of tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a touch of wine, it lends a fiery kick to your mussels while still allowing their natural brininess to shine.
Get the RECIPE
Green Curry SauceThai green curry mussels recipe features mussels in a rich coconut broth flavored with fragrant lemongrass and lime and subtle heat from green curry paste.
Get the RECIPE from Beyond Sweet and Savory
Red Curry SauceCoconut curry mussels are steamed in a red curry broth and served with zucchini noodles for a healthy, yet rich and satisfying appetizer or light meal.
Get the RECIPE from Eating Bird Food
French-inspired Dijon Cream Sauce
Experience the elegance of French cuisine with this luxurious sauce. Velvety and tangy, it combines Dijon mustard, cream, and a hint of white wine to create a sophisticated balance of flavors that harmonize beautifully with the tender mussels.
Get the RECIPE from The View From Great Island
Experience the elegance of French cuisine with this luxurious sauce. Velvety and tangy, it combines Dijon mustard, cream, and a hint of white wine to create a sophisticated balance of flavors that harmonize beautifully with the tender mussels.
Wild Garlic Ramp MusselsThese grilled ramps mussels are the perfect spring appetizers. It is a fun way to serve sweet, meaty mussels topped with a crunchy Pankco crumb crust.
Get the RECIPE from Beyond Sweet and Savory
Saffrom Cream Sauce
Mouclade is a divine dish of steamed mussels in a mild saffron curry cream sauce kissed with cognac. It originated from La Rochelle in south western France.
Get the RECIPE from Salt n Pepper Here
Mouclade is a divine dish of steamed mussels in a mild saffron curry cream sauce kissed with cognac. It originated from La Rochelle in south western France.
Asian-Inspired Black Bean Sauce
Delve into the umami-rich depths of Chinese cuisine with this bold and savory sauce. Made from fermented black beans, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, it infuses your mussels with an intense and complex flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
Get the RECIPE from Delicious.com
Delve into the umami-rich depths of Chinese cuisine with this bold and savory sauce. Made from fermented black beans, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, it infuses your mussels with an intense and complex flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
Creamy Parmesan and Herb Sauce
Indulge in a decadent sauce that combines the creaminess of Parmesan cheese with a medley of fragrant herbs. Thyme, parsley, and chives harmonize perfectly with the mussels, creating a rich and satisfying culinary experience.
Get the RECIPE from Spoonful of Flavor
Indulge in a decadent sauce that combines the creaminess of Parmesan cheese with a medley of fragrant herbs. Thyme, parsley, and chives harmonize perfectly with the mussels, creating a rich and satisfying culinary experience.
Smoky Bacon and Stout Sauce
For the lovers of bold flavors, this sauce is a game-changer. The smokiness of bacon, the richness of stout beer, and the depth of caramelized onions come together to create a sauce that adds a tantalizingly unique twist to your mussels.
Get the RECIPE from Kitchen Swagger
For the lovers of bold flavors, this sauce is a game-changer. The smokiness of bacon, the richness of stout beer, and the depth of caramelized onions come together to create a sauce that adds a tantalizingly unique twist to your mussels.
Japanese Ponzu SauceEmbark on a journey to Japan with this tangy and citrusy sauce. Combining the brightness of citrus juice with soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sweetness, it imparts a delicate yet complex flavor to the mussels.
Get the RECIPE from Stuff.co
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Moroccan Harissa Sauce
Spice up your mussels with the vibrant flavors of North Africa. Harissa, a fiery chili paste, pairs perfectly with cumin, coriander, and garlic, creating a sauce that adds a tantalizing kick and a touch of exoticism to your seafood.
Get the RECIPE from Food and Wine
Spice up your mussels with the vibrant flavors of North Africa. Harissa, a fiery chili paste, pairs perfectly with cumin, coriander, and garlic, creating a sauce that adds a tantalizing kick and a touch of exoticism to your seafood.
Creamy Tarragon Mustard SauceElevate your mussels with this luxurious sauce featuring the distinct flavor of tarragon. Creamy, tangy Dijon mustard, white wine, and fresh tarragon come together in a velvety sauce that beautifully complements the tender mussels.
Get the RECIPE from Silver Palate
How to Make Ahead and Store
Many of these mussel sauce recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
More Seafood Sauce Recipes
- Sauces for Calamari
- Sauces for Shrimp
- Sauces for Lobster
- Sauces for Fried Fish
- Sauces for Salmon
- Sauces for Sushi
Did you Make Any of These Sauces for Mussels?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sauces for steamed mussels. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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15+ BEST Sauces for Mussels
15 sensational sauces that will take your mussels from ordinary to extraordinary! From classic, to spicy, to exotic, creamy flavors. Try these Mussels Marinara. A quick & easy recipe to make at home. Serve them with crusty bread as an appetizer, or over pasta as an entree.
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Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you’d like spicy Fra Diavolo mussels)
- 1 cup dry white wine (I used Pinot Gris, but Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would work)
- 1 23.5 ounce jars marinara sauce
- 2 pounds mussels (scrubbed and debearded)
- Salt (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (for serving)
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté garlic (and red pepper flakes if using) for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add wine and bring to a boil. Cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in mussels, cover and cook until mussels open, 3 to 5 minutes; discard any mussels that do not open.
- Season with salt, to taste, and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with crusty bread.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
Nutrition
Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 229mg | Potassium: 290mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 222IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 3mg
