Green Mussels: Delicious Recipes, Pricing, and Preparation Guide

Green mussels are a familiar seafood in Vietnam’s coastal regions, featuring sweet, lightly fatty meat and being very easy to prepare. However, many people still wonder what delicious dishes to make with green mussels to maintain their freshness without any fishy smell. In this article, Ola Squid will share detailed dishes from green mussels that are most popular, ranging from soups and light steamed dishes to flavorful grilled and stir-fried options. Additionally, you will clearly understand how to select, prepare, and the current market price of green mussels.

Dishes from Green Mussels

Green mussels can be prepared in many different ways. Below are the most delicious and easy-to-apply recipes in your home kitchen, suitable for both daily meals and small weekend parties.

Green mussels in sour soup

Green mussels in sour soup is a rustic, easy-to-eat dish, very suitable for hot days. The light sour taste helps balance the richness of the mussel meat, creating a natural sweet flavor.

Ingredients:

• Fresh green mussels: 1kg
• Tomatoes: 2 fruits
• Pineapple: 150g
• Tamarind or dracontomelon: to taste
• Shallots: 1 bulb
• Herbs: culantro, rice paddy herb
• Seasoning: salt, fish sauce, sugar, cooking oil

How to cook green mussel sour soup:

• Wash the green mussels, separate the shells, and take the meat.
• Sauté minced shallots with oil, then add tomatoes and cook until soft.
• Add pineapple and water, then bring to a boil.
• Add tamarind/dracontomelon for acidity, seasoning to taste.
• When the water boils, add the green mussels and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and add the herbs.

Grilled green mussels

Among dishes from green mussels, the grilled group is always a favorite due to the attractive aroma and interesting eating experience.

Grilled green mussels with scallion oil

Grilled green mussels with scallion oil is a fragrant and rich seafood dish, easy to make, and very popular for BBQ parties or weekend snacks. The naturally sweet mussel meat blends with scallion oil and roasted peanuts to create a bold flavor, best enjoyed hot.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 1 kg
• Green onions: 3–4 stalks
• Roasted peanuts
• Lard or cooking oil: 3 tablespoons
• Shallot: 1 bulb
• Fish sauce
• Sugar

How to make grilled green mussels with scallion oil

• Soak green mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Steam or boil the mussels until they just open, then remove one side of the shell.
• Wash and finely chop the green onions.
• Mince the shallot.
• Sauté minced shallots with lard or oil until fragrant.
• Add green onions, stir quickly, season with a bit of fish sauce and sugar, then turn off the heat.
• Drizzle scallion oil over each mussel.
• Grill on a charcoal stove or in an oven until the scallion oil sizzles slightly and releases its aroma.
• Remove, sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts on top, and enjoy immediately while hot.

Baked green mussels with cheese

Baked mussels with cheese is an enticing seafood dish with the natural sweetness of mussel meat combined with a layer of rich, melting cheese. This dish is very popular at parties or as an appetizer, best served hot.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 1 kg
• Mozzarella or shredded cheese: 150–200 g
• Unsalted butter: 20 g
• Unsweetened fresh milk: 2–3 tablespoons
• Minced garlic
• Ground pepper

How to make baked green mussels with cheese:

• Soak mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Steam or boil the mussels until they just open, then remove one side of the shell.
• Place a small pan on the stove, add unsalted butter and melt it.
• Slightly sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add fresh milk and stir well.
• Add cheese, cook over low heat until the cheese is smooth and melted, then season with a little pepper.
• Drizzle the cheese mixture over each mussel.
• Arrange the mussels on a rack, grill over charcoal or in an oven until the cheese bubbles slightly and turns golden.
• Remove and serve immediately while hot.

Grilled green mussels with garlic butter

Grilled green mussels with garlic butter is a fragrant seafood dish where the natural sweetness of mussel meat harmonizes with rich butter and aromatic sautéed garlic. This dish is easy to make and delicious when served hot, perfect as an appetizer or a drinking snack.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 1 kg
• Unsalted butter: 40 g
• Minced garlic: 2–3 cloves
• Green onions: 2 stalks
• Ground pepper

How to make grilled green mussels with garlic butter:

• Soak green mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Steam or boil the mussels until they just open, then remove one side of the shell.
• Place a small pan on the stove, add unsalted butter and melt it.
• Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then add a little ground pepper.
• Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over each mussel.
• Arrange the mussels on a grill rack or baking tray.
• Grill on charcoal or in an oven until the garlic butter bubbles slightly and smells amazing.
• Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot.

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Steamed green mussels

Steaming is a preparation method that preserves the full natural sweetness, which is very suitable when you don’t know what delicious dishes to make with green mussels that are simple.

Steamed green mussels with lemongrass

Steamed green mussels with lemongrass is a simple seafood dish that keeps the natural sweetness of the mussels, blended with the gentle aroma of lemongrass. This dish is easy to make, light, and very suitable as an appetizer or side dish for a family meal.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 1 kg
• Lemongrass: 3-4 stalks
• Chili: 1-2 fruits
• Lime leaves (optional)
• Salt

How to make steamed green mussels with lemongrass:

• Soak green mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Crush the lemongrass and cut it into segments.
• Wash and slice the chili.
• Place a pot on the stove, putting lemongrass, chili, and lime leaves at the bottom.
• Add the mussels and sprinkle with a little salt.
• Cover and steam over medium heat until the mussels open.
• Turn off the heat, serve hot with salt, pepper, and lime or seafood dipping sauce.

Steamed green mussels with beer

Steamed green mussels with beer is a simple yet very attractive seafood dish, where the naturally sweet mussel meat blends with the gentle aroma of beer. This dish is easy to make, and tastes even better hot, suitable as a drinking snack or appetizer for family meals.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 1 kg
• Beer: 1 can
• Lemongrass: 2–3 stalks
• Chili: 1–2 fruits
• Ginger: a few slices
• Salt

How to make steamed green mussels with beer

• Soak green mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Crush the lemongrass and cut into segments.
• Wash and slice the chili.
• Peel and thinly slice the ginger.
• Place lemongrass, ginger, and chili into the pot.
• Pour in the beer and bring to a light boil.
• Add the mussels and a pinch of salt.
• Cover and steam until the mussels open.
• Turn off the heat, serve hot with salt, pepper, and lime or seafood dipping sauce.

Steamed green mussels with white wine

Steamed green mussels with white wine is a European-style seafood dish with a light, sophisticated flavor. The natural sweetness of the mussel meat blends with the subtle scent of white wine, making it a very refined appetizer for parties or weekend meals.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 1 kg
• White wine: 150–200 ml
• Onion: 1/2 bulb
• Minced garlic: 2 cloves
• Unsalted butter or olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Bay leaf or thyme (optional)
• Ground pepper

How to make steamed green mussels with wine:

• Soak green mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Thinly slice the onion.
• Place a pot on the stove, add unsalted butter or olive oil and heat.
• Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add onion and stir lightly.
• Pour in the white wine and boil lightly to evaporate some alcohol.
• Add the mussels and bay leaf or thyme to the pot.
• Cover and steam over medium heat until the mussels open.
• Sprinkle with ground pepper, stir gently, and turn off the heat.
• Serve hot; you can enjoy it with bread to dip in the delicious broth.

Thai-style steamed green mussels

Thai-style steamed green mussels is an attractive seafood dish with the signature sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors of Thai cuisine. The naturally sweet mussel meat combined with lemongrass, chili, lime leaves, and lime juice creates a refreshing sensation, perfect for a change of pace meal when served hot.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 1 kg
• Lemongrass: 2–3 stalks
• Lime leaves: 5–6 leaves
• Bird’s eye chili: 2–3 fruits
• Ginger: a few slices
• Lime juice
• Fish sauce
• Sugar

How to make Thai-style steamed green mussels:

• Soak green mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Crush the lemongrass and cut into segments.
• Lightly bruise the lime leaves and tear them into small pieces.
• Wash the chili and crush or slice it.
• Thinly slice the ginger.
• Place a pot on the stove, add lemongrass, ginger, chili, and lime leaves with a bit of water.
• Bring to a boil, then add the mussels, cover, and steam until the mussels open.
• Quickly mix a seasoning liquid consisting of fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice.
• Drizzle the seasoning mixture into the pot, stir gently, and turn off the heat.
• Serve hot to fully experience the signature Thai sour and spicy taste.

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Stir-fried green mussels

Stir-fried mussels with lemongrass and chili

Stir-fried mussels with lemongrass and chili is a flavorful, spicy, and aromatic seafood dish, perfect with rice or as a drinking snack. The naturally sweet mussel meat combined with the scent of lemongrass and the heat of chili creates an attractive flavor, best enjoyed hot.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 1 kg
• Lemongrass: 3 stalks
• Chili: 2–3 fruits
• Minced garlic: 2 cloves
• Shallot: 1 bulb
• Cooking oil
• Fish sauce

How to make stir-fried mussels with lemongrass and chili:

• Soak mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Briefly steam the mussels until they just open, then remove one side of the shell.
• Finely mince the lemongrass and chili; slice the shallot.
• Heat a pan with cooking oil.
• Sauté the shallot and garlic until fragrant.
• Add lemongrass and chili and sauté until aromatic.
• Add the mussels and stir quickly over high heat.
• Season with fish sauce to taste and stir well.
• Quickly stir-fry until the mussels are well-coated with seasonings, then turn off the heat and serve hot.

Sautéed green mussels with garlic butter

Sautéed green mussels with garlic butter is a fragrant and rich seafood dish, easy to make, with a bold and delicious flavor. The natural sweetness of the mussel meat blends with unsalted butter and aromatic fried garlic, perfect for serving with bread or hot rice.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 1 kg
• Unsalted butter: 40 g
• Minced garlic: 3 cloves
• Green onions: 2 stalks
• Ground pepper

How to make sautéed green mussels with garlic butter:

• Soak green mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Briefly steam the mussels until they just open, then remove one side of the shell.
• Heat a pan and melt the unsalted butter.
• Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then add a little ground pepper.
• Add the mussels to the pan and stir quickly so they absorb the garlic butter.
• Sauté over high heat for a short time so the mussels don’t become tough.
• Sprinkle with chopped green onions, stir well, and turn off the heat.
• Serve hot, best when accompanied by bread.

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Pan-seared green mussels

Pan-seared green mussels is a simple yet very attractive seafood dish, retaining the natural sweetness of the mussel meat with a light sear on the outside. This dish is easy to prepare, suitable as a refreshing meal or light drinking snack.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 1 kg
• Unsalted butter or olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Minced garlic: 2 cloves
• Lemon or calamansi
• Salt
• Ground pepper

How to make pan-seared green mussels:

• Soak green mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Briefly steam the mussels until they just open, then remove one side of the shell.
• Heat the pan, then add unsalted butter or olive oil.
• Slightly sauté the garlic until fragrant.
• Add the mussels to the pan with the meat side down, letting them sear lightly.
• Flip quickly, then sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
• Sear for a brief additional time until the mussels are just cooked through.
• Turn off the heat and squeeze a bit of lemon or calamansi over them before serving.
• Serve hot to fully enjoy the sweetness and aroma of the mussels.

Green mussel and mung bean porridge

Green mussel and mung bean porridge is a light, nutritious, and easy-to-digest dish. The natural sweetness of the mussels combined with the nutty and creamy flavor of mung beans creates a delicious porridge, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or when your family needs a change of pace.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 500 g
• Peeled mung beans: 80–100 g
• Plain rice: 1/2 cup
• Glutinous rice: 2 tablespoons
• Shallot: 1 bulb
• Green onions
• Ginger: a few slices
• Cooking oil
• Salt, pepper

How to cook green mussel and mung bean porridge:

• Soak green mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Steam the mussels with a few slices of ginger until they open, then remove the meat and save the steaming liquid.
• Chop the mussel meat and lightly marinate with a bit of pepper.
• Wash the mung beans and soak in water for 1–2 hours until soft.
• Wash the plain rice and glutinous rice, then drain.
• Put the rice, mung beans, and mussel steaming liquid into a pot, adding more water if necessary.
• Cook the porridge over low heat until it is soft and thick.
• Sauté minced shallots with oil, then add the mussel meat and stir quickly.
• Add the sautéed mussels into the porridge pot and stir well.
• Season with salt to taste, cook for a few more minutes, then turn off the heat.
• Ladle the porridge into a bowl, sprinkle with green onions and ground pepper, and serve hot.

See more: How to cook squid porridge fragrant, rich, and perfectly flavored at home

Oven-baked green mussels with lemon butter

Oven-baked green mussels with lemon butter is a European-style seafood dish with a balanced, rich flavor between fragrant butter and light sour lemon. The naturally sweet mussel meat is oven-baked until just cooked, making it an excellent appetizer or a change of pace for family parties.

Ingredients

• Green mussels: 1 kg
• Unsalted butter: 40 g
• Lemon juice: 2–3 tablespoons
• Minced garlic: 2 cloves
• Finely grated lemon zest (optional)
• Green onions or parsley
• Ground pepper

How to make oven-baked green mussels with lemon butter:

• Soak green mussels in diluted salt water, scrub the shells clean, and rinse several times.
• Briefly steam the mussels until they just open, then remove one side of the shell.
• Preheat the oven to 180°C.
• Melt the unsalted butter and slightly sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
• Turn off the heat, add lemon juice and grated lemon zest, then stir well.
• Arrange the mussels on a baking tray and drizzle the lemon butter mixture over each one.
• Bake in the oven for about 8–10 minutes until the butter sizzles slightly.
• Remove, sprinkle with ground pepper and green onions or parsley.
• Serve hot; it goes very well with bread.

How to choose and prepare green mussels

Whether green mussels are delicious or not depends quite a bit on the initial selection and cleaning process. Just by paying a little attention, your dish will be much tastier and you can use it with peace of mind.

• How to choose green mussels: Choose mussels that are still alive, with tightly closed shells, and feel heavy when picked up. The shells should have a natural dark green color, without much cracking or peeling. When smelling them, there should only be a light ocean scent, no foul or strange odors. Mussels that are already wide open or leaking water should be discarded.

• How to prepare green mussels: Soak the mussels in diluted salt water for about 15–20 minutes to release sand. Then use a brush to scrub off the dirt and algae attached to the outside of the shell. Rinse several times with clean water. Before cooking, steam or boil them briefly until they just open; any that do not open should be discarded to ensure safety.

How much do green mussels cost per 1kg?

Green mussel prices currently fluctuate depending on the type, origin, and point of sale:

• Fresh Vietnamese green mussels (domestic seafood): usually around 60,000 – 150,000 VND/kg depending on size and source. Prices at markets or seafood stores are often around 80,000 – 120,000 VND/kg.
• Imported green mussels (frozen) such as New Zealand mussels are usually higher, around 280,000 – 430,000 VND/kg on retail platforms.

Prices may change according to the season, point of sale, size of the mussels, and the supply and demand situation at the time of your purchase.

We hope the suggestions above have helped you easily answer the question of what delicious dishes to make with green mussels and what delicious dishes to cook with green mussels. With familiar ingredients, reasonable prices, and many simple preparation methods, green mussels fully deserve to be featured regularly in your daily seafood meals. In addition to mussels, if you are a fan of sea flavors, don’t forget to check out the high-quality whole dried squid products at Ola Squid to bring a unique twist to your family parties. Don’t forget to visit the Ola Squid website to refer to more attractive recipes and other quality seafood products.