Shrimp Mussels Garlic Sauce

This shrimp and mussels dish brings tender seafood together in a rich garlic cream sauce brightened with fresh lemon and parsley. It’s perfect for a special dinner that feels fancy but comes together quickly on a weeknight.

I first tried this recipe when friends came over unexpectedly, and it has since become my go-to for impressing guests without a fuss.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: peeled and deveined one point one pounds ensures tender bites that cook evenly
• Mussels: cleaned and debearded one point one pounds add briny flavor and texture. Discard any that do not close when tapped for safety
• Garlic cloves: minced four bring signature aromatic depth to the sauce
• Heavy cream: one cup makes the sauce luscious and smooth
• Dry white wine: half a cup adds acidity and complexity. Choose a quality bottle you enjoy drinking
• Unsalted butter: two tablespoons provides richness without extra salt that you can control
• Lemon zest and juice: from one lemon brighten flavors and balance the cream
• Fresh parsley: chopped quarter cup adds herbaceous freshness and color
• Salt and black pepper: to taste enhance and round out all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rinse and Inspect Mussels:

Rinse mussels thoroughly under cold water removing any debris or beards. Tap closed shells gently and discard any mussels that do not close as they are unsafe to eat.

Season Shrimp:

Lightly season peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper. Set aside to infuse flavor before cooking.

Sauté the Garlic:

Melt butter in a wide lidded skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook briefly for about thirty seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.

Simmer the Wine:

Pour in dry white wine and allow it to simmer for two to three minutes until it reduces by half. This concentrates flavor and ensures alcohol cooks off.

Steam Mussels:

Add cleaned mussels to the skillet and cover. Steam for three to five minutes until shells open. Transfer opened mussels to a bowl, discarding any unopened.

Make the Cream Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream and lemon zest. Let this gently simmer for two to three minutes until slightly thickened to create a velvety base.

Cook the Shrimp:

Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for two to three minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

Combine and Finish:

Return the mussels and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss in chopped parsley and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately while warm.

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Storage tips

Store leftover shrimp and mussels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within two days for the best taste and texture. Avoid freezing once cooked as shellfish textures can become rubbery.

Ingredient substitutions

If you prefer, replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option but expect a slightly different flavor and thinner sauce. Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of wine if you want to keep it alcohol-free.

Serving suggestions

Serve this with crusty bread to soak up all the luscious sauce. Light sides like steamed asparagus, green beans, or a simple mixed salad complement it beautifully without overpowering the flavors.

Cultural context

This dish draws inspiration from Mediterranean coastal cuisine where fresh seafood is enjoyed with bright herbs and citrus. The creamy garlic sauce adds richness common in Italian and French preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure mussels are fresh before cooking?

Check that mussels are tightly closed or close when tapped. Discard any that remain open or have cracked shells to ensure freshness and safety.

→ Can I substitute white wine in the sauce?

Yes, you can use seafood stock or a mild vinegar diluted with water as alternatives to white wine to maintain flavor depth.

→ What is the best way to cook shrimp for this dish?

Lightly season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook them 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque for tender texture.

→ How do I avoid overcooking the seafood?

Steam mussels just until they open and cook shrimp until just pink. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery and mussels tough.

→ Can this dish be made gluten-free and low-carb?

Yes, this dish naturally fits gluten-free and low-carb diets by focusing on seafood, cream, and fresh herbs without added carbs.

→ What tools are recommended for cooking this dish?

A wide lidded skillet is essential for steaming mussels and simmering the sauce evenly.