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Moules Marinières

Plump mussels steamed open in white wine with shallots, garlic, and parsley — France’s beloved seaside bowl.

⏱ 20 minPrep time
🔥 15 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Moules Marinières is the seashore classic of a bowl of plump mussels steamed open in white wine, shallots, garlic, and parsley, finished with a swirl of butter. The pan juices are the treasure — briny, winey, and meant for sopping.

A bistro and brasserie favorite along the northern coast, it is traditionally served straight from the pot with crusty fries or bread. Eat them with your hands, using an empty shell as tongs, and don’t leave a drop of broth behind.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Warm the olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large pot and soften the shallots and garlic for 3 minutes.
  2. Pour in the wine and bring to a boil.
  3. Add the mussels, cover, and steam 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the pot once, until all the shells open.
  4. Discard any mussels that stay closed.
  5. Swirl in the remaining butter and the parsley, season with pepper, and serve immediately in deep bowls with the broth and bread.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Mussels are done the moment they open — overcooking turns them rubbery. Serve with plenty of bread for the broth and a bowl for the shells.

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Recipe details

Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Servings4
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →