Mussels in White Wine Sauce

By Amy Dong
Updated Feb. 9, 2024

Fresh, succulent Mussels in White Wine Sauce are the perfect aperitif for any meal. These light, flavorful mussels cooked in a delectable wine sauce are simply irresistible. You’ll want some crusty bread to soak up all the savory sauce.

Mussels in white wine sauce on a place with lemon wedges. — These fresh, succulent mussels in white wine sauce are perfectly cooked and taste incredible!

Video: Watch Us Make this Recipe

Why This Recipe Stands Out

We love a good seafood dish, and this recipe for Mussels in White Wine Sauce is everything a seafood lover could ask for. Here’s what you’ll love:

Fresh and Flavorful: This recipe uses fresh mussels that are packed with flavor, just like our Red Thai Curry Mussels.
Incredible Sauce: The white wine sauce in this recipe is so delicious that it practically demands some crusty bread to lap up every last drop, just like our Ravioli Casserole.
Perfect for Parties: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled, making it the perfect dish for gatherings.
Easy to Prepare: This dish looks fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare! Our recipe explains every step thoroughly for the best results.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Overhead shot of ingredients to make mussels in white wine sauce on a dark surface.

Fresh Mussels – These are the star of our recipe. They add a rich, briny flavor to the dish that perfectly complements the white wine sauce.
Garlic and Onions – We use minced garlic and chopped onions to add a robust, savory flavor to the sauce.
Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and compliments the natural brininess of the mussels.
White Wine – We use 1 cup of good quality white wine to deglaze the pan and add a fruity, acidic note to the sauce.
Freshly Chopped Basil – It adds a light, herbal note that compliments the mussels and the wine sauce.

Substitutions And Variations

This mussels in white wine sauce recipe is a classic, but there’s always room to put your own spin on things. Here are a few ideas to switch things up and add your personal touch:

Spice: If you’re a fan of spicy flavors, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It will take this dish to a whole new level, just like it does with our Lemon Pepper Shrimp Scamp.
Fresh Herbs: The recipe calls for basil, but feel free to experiment with other herbs. Thyme or oregano would work beautifully with the flavors in this dish like they do in our Sheet Pan Roasted Greek Chicken recipe.
Tomatoes: If you can’t find canned plum tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes or even a few tablespoons of tomato paste.
Wine: Feel free to experiment with the wine to find the one that works best for you. If you really like the flavor and quality of the wine before you cook with it, you’ll really like the finished sauce.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

White wine sauce for mussels being cooked in a pot.

White wine sauce being poured on top for cooked mussels.

Soak mussels in water to clean. Pluck off the beard and discard any mussels with shells not tightly shut. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic. Add lemon juice, tomatoes, parsley, wine, salt, and pepper. Boil for 3 minutes.
Add the mussels and cover the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes until they open. Transfer all opened mussels to a serving bowl. Pour the wine sauce with chopped veggies over the mussels. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

How To Prep Ahead

This mussels in white wine sauce recipe is a classic that’s perfect for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal. We’ve got some great prep-ahead tips to make it even easier:

Soak Mussels: Before you start cooking, you can soak the mussels in water for 30 minutes to clean them. After this, drain them well and towel dry. This step can be done a few hours before you start cooking.
Chop Veggies: You can chop the onions, garlic, and parsley ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This is a great way to save time and reduce the prep work on the day of cooking.
Make the Sauce: The white wine sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Simply heat the butter and olive oil, add the onions and garlic, and then stir in the lemon juice, drained tomatoes, parsley, wine, salt, and pepper. Boil it until the sauce is reduced. This can be done a day before and refrigerated.

What To Serve With Mussels in White Wine Sauce

Side Dishes

A crusty baguette or some garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious white wine sauce.
You can also serve the mussels over a bed of cooked pasta or rice to make a complete meal.

Vegetables

A simple green salad or a side of steamed asparagus can add a fresh, healthy element to your meal.

Appetizers

If you’re serving the mussels as an appetizer, consider offering some bruschetta or a cheese board to start the meal.

Commonly Asked Questions

Do I need to debeard the mussels?

Yes, for this recipe, you need to debeard the mussels. Soak the mussels in water for 30 minutes to clean. Drain very well and then use your fingers to pluck off the beard from mussels. Discard any mussels whose shells aren’t tightly shut.

How do I know when the mussels are cooked?

The mussels are cooked when their shells open. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Remember, do not overcook them.

Can I use any white wine for this recipe?

While you can technically use any white wine, we recommend using a good quality white wine for this recipe. After all, wine is the main character in a wine sauce. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works well.

How do I store leftover mussels in white wine sauce?

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure to remove the mussels from the shells before storing to keep them fresh.

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