Crispy Turkish Fried Mussels

Ingredients

• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) fresh mussels 500 grams (1.1 lbs) fresh mussels
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams) 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup sparkling water (240 ml) 1 cup sparkling water (240 ml)
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving
• Garlic yogurt sauce, for serving Garlic yogurt sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the mussels thoroughly, removing any beards or debris. Discard any mussels that are open or damaged.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the sparkling water to the dry ingredients, whisking until you have a smooth batter. The batter should have a consistency similar to pancake batter.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to a temperature of 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Dip each mussel into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, and carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry the mussels in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried mussels from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Crispy Turkish Fried Mussels hot, with lemon wedges and garlic yogurt sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Ensure that the mussels are fresh and discard any that are open or damaged before cooking.
• Sparkling water — The carbonation in sparkling water helps create a lighter and crispier batter. If you don't have sparkling water, you can use cold still water as a substitute.
• Garlic yogurt sauce — To make the garlic yogurt sauce, simply mix together plain yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the garlic and lemon juice to taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the mussels by dipping them in the batter twice before frying.
• Serve the Crispy Turkish Fried Mussels immediately after frying to maintain their crunchiness.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as spicy mayo or tzatziki for a unique twist.
• If you're not a fan of mussels, you can try this recipe with other seafood like shrimp or calamari.

Serving advice

Crispy Turkish Fried Mussels are best enjoyed as an appetizer or part of a meze platter. Serve them hot with lemon wedges and a side of garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. They pair well with a refreshing salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Turkish Fried Mussels on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color. Serve them in a rustic-style bowl or on a wooden board to showcase their golden exterior. Place lemon wedges alongside the mussels for an inviting presentation.