Barbecue Mussel Bake Food

BAKED MUSSELS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400F/200C. Prepare a baking dish with slightly scrunched foil in it (to help the mussels be able to sit level).
• Scrub the mussels, removing any dirt and hairy bit, clean and discard any that are broken.
• Put the mussels in a pot with the water, cover and put on a medium-high heat for a couple minutes until they open up. Remove form the heat.
• Meanwhile, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley, garlic, oregano and olive oil in a small bowl.
• When the mussels have steamed, remove one side of the shell and use it to loosen the mussel from the shell, if still attached. Sit the mussel on one side of the shell and set it level on the foil in baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the mussels.
• Spoon/press some of the breadcrumb mixture on top of each mussel, trying to cover the mussel itself as far as possible. If you like, put a little of the mussel cooking juice in the bottom of the shell to help keep the mussel moist.
• Bake the mussels for approx 7-10 minutes until gently golden on top. Serve warm or room temp (don't re-heat them as they will likely go dry and/or tough).

BARBECUED MUSSELS

Steps:

• Mix the butter and garlic with a big pinch of salt. Heat the barbecue until the coals are ashy white. Lay a sheet of tin foil about 60cm long on the kitchen counter, put another sheet of the same size on top, then add a third sheet about 30cm long across the middle of the other sheets to make a cross shape. Spread the shallots in the middle of the foil, pile the mussels on top, dot the garlic butter all over, then scatter over half the parsley. Season, then fold the foil in at the sides to create an oval bowl shape.
• Pour the wine into the foil bowl and then seal it by scrunching the foil together at the top. Make sure that it's well sealed so that the mussels can steam - use an extra sheet of foil to wrap the whole parcel if necessary. Carefully place the parcel on the barbecue coals and cook for 10 mins. Open the parcel and check the mussels have opened up. Hot steam will billow out, so be careful. Pour in the cream, cover (if your barbecue has a lid) and allow to cook for a few mins longer, so the smoky scents of the barbecue can get in.
• Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and serve with warm crusty bread.

GRILLED MUSSELS RECIPE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Prepare a medium-high (400 F to 475 F) gas or charcoal grill fire. While the grill heats, pick over the mussels; throw away any mussels that don't close tightly when you tap on them and remove the beards, if any.
• Put the cleaned mussels on the hot grill and cook, covered on a gas grill, until they open, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Use tongs to transfer the hot mussels to a serving platter. If using, add fresh pepper and chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately.

MUSSELS ON THE BARBECUE

Steps:

• Scrub the mussels very well and remove the beards.
• Take a generous bit of aluminum cooking foil, place the mussels in the middle.
• Add the onion, some parsley, black pepper to taste and the mashed garlic clove.
• Sprinkle with olive oil and a bit of wine; don't get carried away because the mussels will let out some juice too.
• Fold up the foil into a very tight packet ('tight' meaning 'well closed'); even wrap it up in a second foil sheet if you need to. NO moisture should be able to escape.
• Put in a lidded barbeque (Weber) in the direct heat of the coals (i.e. straight above them).
• Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, checking for readiness.
• Remove the mussels from the barbecue as soon as they open. Discard any that did not open.
• Serve with or without the shells with the juice on top.

CRUNCHY BAKED MUSSELS

Steps:

• Scrub the mussels and pull off any beards. Rinse in several changes of cold water, then discard any that are open and do not close when tapped against the side of the sink.
• Drain the mussels and put in a large pan with a splash of water. Bring to the boil, then cover the pan, shaking occasionally, until the mussels are open - this will take 2-3 mins. Drain well, then discard any that remain closed. Heat grill to high.
• Mix the crumbs and zest. Remove one side of each shell, then spread a little butter onto each mussel. Set on a baking tray and sprinkle with crumbs. Grill for 3-4 mins until crunchy.