What To Do With Leftover Mussels?

what to do with leftover mussels

After cooking up a large batch of mussels, you may be wondering what to do with the leftovers.

Fear not – we’ve got you covered.

From easy-to-follow recipes to storage tips, we’ll show you how to make the most of your mussels.

So keep reading for all the info you need on using up those leftover mussels.

Just store them for later use

Storing your leftover mussels for later use is the easiest option here.

You just need to make sure that the mussels are properly sealed in an airtight container (e.g., zip-lock storage bag or Tupperware) and stored in the fridge for no more than one day.

If you want to freeze them, just let the mussels cool first after cooking and then transfer them to an airtight container.

You shouldn’t keep them in the freezer for more than 3 months for the best possible results.

Mussel Stew

This is a really easy but tasty alternative to store your leftover mussels.

It’s perfect for when you don’t feel like eating something fancy-looking, yet still want something delicious and hearty on the table.

To make the stew, just heat up some oil in a large saucepan or pot at medium temperature.

When the oil is hot, add the onions, carrots, and potatoes.

Then let everything brown nicely for about 10 minutes before adding some white wine or chicken broth (if you have any left).

When using white wine, just remember that it has to boil for 5 to 7 minutes.

If you want to use chicken broth instead, then just bring it to a boil and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

Then add your mussels to the mix, cover with a lid and let it cook for 5 more minutes.

Mussel Soup

If you’re looking for a warm and cozy way to enjoy your leftover mussels, then this is the perfect recipe for you.

Not only will it make the best use of the ingredients, but it’s also one of the most delicious ways to eat mussels.

To make this soup, just sauté some onion in a large pot or saucepan at medium heat.

Then add some celery, potatoes, and garlic along with the leftover mussels.

Add some chicken broth to cover everything completely and cook for about 20 minutes before adding chopped parsley leaves.

You can also throw in a touch of cream if you feel like making this soup extra creamy.

It’s also best to serve this dish with some crusty bread for dipping.

Chorizo Mussels

Who doesn’t love mussels with chorizo?

This is another quick and easy way to enjoy your leftover mussels the next day.

Just sauté some chopped onion in oil or butter at medium-high temperature, throw in a can of diced tomatoes and let it simmer for about 5 minutes before adding your leftover mussels.

If you have the time to spare, don’t forget to add some garlic and parsley at this stage as well – they go perfectly with chorizo.

You can also choose to replace the canned tomato with fresh tomatoes.

This way, you’ll have a delicious sauce to go along with the mussels.

Mussels With Tomatoes And White Wine

You can never go wrong with this classic recipe for leftover mussels.

It’s simple enough that even young kids will enjoy it too.

Just heat up some oil or butter in a large pot or saucepan at medium-high temperature before adding the chopped onion.

Let this cook for 5 minutes before adding some garlic and dried oregano (about 2 teaspoons each) and 1 cup of white wine (if you have any).

Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, then add your leftover mussels to the mix along with 6 or 7 chopped tomatoes.

Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for another 10 minutes before adding some pepper, parsley, and chopped basil leaves to the mix.

You may also want to add some salt or pancetta at this stage, depending on your tastes.

Curried Mussels

Who doesn’t love curried mussels?

It’s one of the best things to eat if you’re craving something spicy and tasty.

Just heat up some oil or butter in a large saucepan or pot at medium-high temperature, then add 2 chopped onions and 1 tablespoon of curry paste.

You can also use chili powder if you don’t have curry paste.

Let this cook for 5 minutes before adding 2 chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup of dry white wine, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.

Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, then add your leftover mussels to the mix along with some water or chicken broth (you can use either one).

Bring the mixture to a boil and cover the pot with a lid, then let it simmer for 10 more minutes.

You can now add some freshly chopped cilantro leaves to the mix, as well as salt and pepper to taste.

Butter And Garlic Mussels

This is another great recipe that doesn’t require much work on your part.

Just heat up 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot or saucepan at medium-high temperature, then add some chopped garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds.

After that’s done, simply throw in your leftover mussels to get them nice and coated with the garlic mixture before adding 1 cup of white wine.

Let everything simmer together under the lid for another 10 minutes before adding some parsley, salt, and pepper to the mix.

This great-tasting recipe is best served with some crusty bread so you can dip your bread in the broth.

Fried Rice with Mussels

what to do with leftover mussels

This is a unique spin on the traditional fried rice recipe.

Just heat up some oil in a large pot at medium-high temperature before adding some chopped onions and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger.

Let this cook for 5 minutes, then add 2 tablespoons of curry powder along with 4 cups of cooked white rice.

This will give your mussels fried rice dish a little extra flavor.

Next, throw in 1/2 cup of frozen peas and 2 cups of chopped kale leaves.

Let this cook for another 5 minutes before throwing in your leftover mussels (with the shells removed) to the mix along with some soy sauce, salt, pepper, and sesame oil to taste.

This is best accompanied by some extra soy sauce if you wish.

Grilled Cheese with Mussels

This is another great recipe that can use up your leftover mussels.

Just start by heating up some butter in a large frying pan at medium-high temperature before adding some sliced ciabatta bread.

After letting it toast until golden brown, add some grated mozzarella cheese to one side of the bread and let it melt for about 30 seconds.

Once that’s done, simply add a generous amount of chopped leftover mussels to the cheese and cooked until browned for about 5 minutes.

Quiche with Mussels

You can make it in just about 15 minutes.

Start by adding 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to a large bowl along with some salt and pepper, then stir in 1 cup of whole milk until smooth.

Now add 2 chopped scallions (also called “spring onions” if you’re in the UK), 2 chopped carrots, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and some salt to taste.

Finally, stir in your leftover mussels until everything is well combined.

Next, pour this mixture into a large greased baking dish or pie pan before placing it on a baking sheet just in case your filling bubbles over while cooking.

Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top of your quiche then bake it in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or around 200 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes.

Salads with Mussels

Just start by adding 1 cup of cooked rice noodles to a large bowl along with some thinly sliced red cabbage, chopped carrots, and some cilantro leaves.

Finally, add your leftover mussels to the mix before stirring in some soy sauce, lime juice, and oil until everything is well combined.

You can also add some chopped peanuts if you like, and additional lime juice if you wish before enjoying it.

Conclusion

There are many different ways to enjoy your leftover mussels, and I’ve shown you just a few of them.

These recipes are all easy to follow and should only take about 15-30 minutes to make.

I hope you enjoy them.

Further reading:

35 Mussels Recipes for Fancy but Easy Weeknight Dinners

Mussels: Are They Good for You? – WebMD

Tamara Pierce

Tamara Pierce is a food writer at Elapasony, passionate about exploring diverse cuisines and sharing recipes and food experiences. From trendy restaurants to local hotspots, she's always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors.

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