Barbecue Mussel Bake Recipes

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.

CLAM BAKE

Steps:

• Place a potatoes in a layer in the bottom of a large pot. Cover with a layer of clams, then mussels, and finally the shrimp. Pour in the vermouth and enough chicken broth to fill the pot halfway. You may not need all of the broth, depending on the size of your pot. Cut a half cup of the butter into cubes and place on top of the seafood. Cover with a lid, and seal tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium-low heat for 45 minutes. Remove from the heat, and carefully remove the foil and lid. Remove the seafood and potatoes from the liquid and serve on a large platter, family-style.
• Melt 1/2 cup of reserved butter, and divide into 4 individual dishes for dipping. Serve with French bread and remaining softened butter for the bread.

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.

BARBECUE MUSSEL BAKE

Steps:

• Rinse mussels; snip off any beards. Place in the centre of two 20-inch (50 cm) squares of heavy-duty foil. Sprinkle with white vermouth, wine or chicken stock, garlic, onions, and if you want more buzz per mussel, your choice of prepared salsa, smoky barbecue, black bean and garlic or pasta sauce.
• Wrap foil around mussels, firmly double folding edges to seal. Place on grill over medium-high heat, close lid and cook turning once, until mussels open, 10 to 15 minutes. Discard any that do not open.

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.