Thai Red Curry Mussels with Thai Basil and Lemongrass

Name: Thai Red Curry Mussels with Thai Basil and Lemongrass
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Fresh mussels; Vegetable oil; Garlic, minced; Ginger, minced; Lemongrass, finely chopped; Thai red curry paste; Coconut milk; Fish sauce; Brown sugar; Lime juice; Thai basil leaves; Red chili, sliced; Lime wedges

Spicy and aromatic mussels infused with Thai flavors

A delightful dish that brings the authentic taste of Thailand to your table with plump mussels cooked in a vibrant red curry sauce, complemented by the fresh aroma of lemongrass and Thai basil.

45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Mussels

Fresh mussels

2 lbs, cleaned and debearded

Vegetable oil

1 tbsp

Garlic, minced

2 cloves

Ginger, minced

1 inch piece

Lemongrass, finely chopped

1 stalk

For the Curry Sauce

Thai red curry paste

2 tbsp

Coconut milk

14 oz can

Fish sauce

1 tbsp

Brown sugar

1 tbsp

Lime juice

Juice of 1 lime

For Garnishing

Thai basil leaves

1 cup

Red chili, sliced

1, sliced thinly

Lime wedges

For serving

Preparation

Preparing the Mussels

Rinse and scrub mussels

Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrub the shells, and remove any remaining debeards by pulling them off firmly.

Discard damaged mussels

Discard any mussels that are cracked or remain open after tapping them.

Soak in salted water

Set cleaned mussels aside in a bowl of cold salted water until ready to use.

Making the Curry Sauce

Heat oil

In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

Sauté garlic, ginger, and lemongrass

Add minced garlic, ginger, and lemongrass; sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

💡 For intense flavor, lightly bruise the lemongrass with a rolling pin before chopping.

Cook curry paste

Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another 2 minutes until well blended.

⚠ Important: Do not allow the curry paste or garlic to burn, as this will impart a bitter taste.

Cooking Process

Steaming the Mussels

Add mussels to the pot and stir to coat them in the curry mixture.

Creating the Sauce

Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar; stir gently to combine.

Finishing Touches

Cover the pot and cook until mussels open, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.

Timing & Heat Guide

Sautéing Aromatics: 4 min; Cooking Mussels: 7 min.

Use medium heat for sautéing and low heat for simmering.

Plating & Serving