Crispy Dutch-style Fried Mussels

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) fresh mussels 2 pounds (900g) fresh mussels
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Fresh lemon wedges, for serving Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
• Tangy mayonnaise, for serving Tangy mayonnaise, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the mussels thoroughly, removing any beards or debris. Discard any mussels that are open or damaged.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, steam the mussels over high heat until they open, approximately 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
3. 3.
   Remove the mussels from their shells, leaving a few intact for presentation if desired.
4. 4.
   In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Dredge each mussel in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
7. 7.
   Carefully drop the coated mussels into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
8. 8.
   Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried mussels to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve the Crispy Dutch-style Fried Mussels hot, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges and tangy mayonnaise for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Ensure that the mussels are fresh and discard any that are open or damaged before cooking.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying.
• Fresh lemon wedges — Squeeze the lemon wedges over the fried mussels just before serving to add a burst of citrus flavor.
• Tangy mayonnaise — Prepare a tangy mayonnaise by mixing regular mayonnaise with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure the mussels are fresh, purchase them from a reputable seafood market or fishmonger.
• Serve the Crispy Dutch-style Fried Mussels as an appetizer or main course with a side of crispy fries or a fresh green salad.
• Experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture, such as cayenne pepper or dried herbs, to customize the flavor to your liking.
• If you don't have a deep fryer, you can use a large pot and a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
• For a lighter version, you can also bake the coated mussels in the oven at 220°C (425°F) for approximately 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Dutch-style Fried Mussels hot, allowing guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mussels and dip them in tangy mayonnaise. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Dutch-style Fried Mussels on a platter, garnishing with a few intact mussels in their shells for an attractive presentation. Serve with lemon wedges and a small bowl of tangy mayonnaise on the side.