How to Eat Mussels

Fresh seafood is a real treat, and mussels are among the tastiest shellfish you can try. It’s normal to feel unsure when you’re served a steaming hot bowl of mussels. At first, it can be tricky to know what to do with the shells, what utensils are meant to do what. 

With a few tips, eating mussels gets much easier and more fun. Who better to guide you through these plump beauties than Bristol’s best seafood restaurant…

How to Eat Mussels Using the Shell Technique

French diners have a simple trick for enjoying moules marinières. You don’t need any special utensils to eat them because your best tool is right in the bowl.

Use a regular fork to take the first mussel out of its shell and eat it. Save the empty shell, since you’ll use it like tongs for the rest.

Hold the empty shell between your thumb and finger, use it to pick out the meat from the other shells. This way, your hands stay clean and eating mussels is simple.

How to Eat Mussels at Formal Dining Tables

How you eat mussels depends on where you are. At casual seafood places, it’s fine to use your hands, but in formal restaurants, you’ll want to be a little more careful.

At a formal meal, hold the shell steady with your non-dominant hand and use a seafood or oyster fork to gently take out the meat. Place empty shells in the extra bowl your server provides to keep your plate neat.

To enjoy the tasty broth at the bottom, dip some crusty bread into the bowl or use a soup spoon to sip it. When you’re done eating, use the warm lemon water bowl to clean your fingers.

How to Eat Pickled Mussels at Home

Pickled mussels have a tangy flavor that makes them great for snacks and party trays. They’re already cooked and preserved, so you don’t need to heat them or worry about shells.

Use a small fork or toothpick to take pickled mussels out of the jar. Try them on salty crackers with cream cheese and sliced pickles, or mix them into potato salads or grain bowls for more flavour.

How to Eat Mussels in Pasta Dishes

When you order mussels with pasta like linguine or spaghetti, you’ll need to eat them a little differently. The sauce keeps the shells hot, so be careful when you handle them.

Before you start on your pasta, use your fork to take the mussel meat out of each shell. Place the empty shells on your side plate right away to keep your main plate clear and avoid sauce splashes.

Once the shells are gone, twirl some pasta on your fork and add a piece of mussel for the perfect bite of pasta and seafood together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which parts of a mussel are edible?

After mussels are cooked, you can eat all the soft meat inside. The orange or pale cream part is tender and good for you. Throw away the hard shell and the beard, the stringy part that helps the mussel stick to things. Chefs usually remove the beard before cooking, but if you find one, you can pull it off easily.

What should you do with closed mussels?

If any mussels stay tightly closed after cooking, don’t eat them. Mussels that are safe to eat open up as they cook, so a closed shell usually means the mussel was dead before cooking. It’s safest to throw those out so you don’t get sick.

Master Seafood Dining Today

Now that you know how to eat mussels, you can enjoy seafood anywhere. Whether you use the French shell method or regular utensils, eating shellfish should always be enjoyable.

Looking to try something new or plan your next meal out? Contact us to learn more about our menu and upcoming events.