Vanuatu-style Fried Mussels

Ingredients

While the original Turkish dish, Midye Tava, is typically seasoned with Mediterranean spices and served with lemon wedges, the Vanuatu-style Fried Mussels adapt to the flavors of Vanuatuan cuisine. The batter is infused with local spices, giving it a unique taste, and the mussels are served with a tangy dipping sauce that complements the dish perfectly. We alse have the original recipe for Midye tava, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh mussels 500g (1.1 lb) fresh mussels
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g) 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) cold water 1 cup (240ml) cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 15g
• 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 large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the cold water to the dry ingredients, whisking until you have a smooth batter.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Dip each mussel into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and carefully place them into the hot oil.
6. 6.
   Fry the mussels in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried mussels to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Vanuatu-style Fried Mussels hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves, and accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce.

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.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of chili powder to the batter.
• Serve the mussels with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a citrusy twist.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the mussels in the oven instead of frying them.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a spicy aioli or a sweet chili sauce, to find your favorite pairing.
• Serve the Vanuatu-style Fried Mussels as an appetizer or as part of a seafood platter.

Serving advice

Serve the Vanuatu-style Fried Mussels as a starter or appetizer. Arrange them on a platter with a side of the tangy dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown mussels on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves or banana leaves for an authentic Vanuatuan touch. Serve them on a wooden board or a vibrant plate to enhance the visual appeal.