5 Delicious Dried Mussels Chinese Recipes

In the realm of Chinese cuisine, dried mussels are a delicacy known for their rich umami flavors and unique texture. These little gems from the sea can elevate your dishes with their deep, smoky taste, often reserved for special occasions due to their rarity and high cost. This blog post will guide you through five mouth-watering dried mussels Chinese recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and add an authentic touch to your culinary adventures.

1. Dried Mussels with Black Beans Stir-fry

This dish is perfect for showcasing the intrinsic flavors of dried mussels by combining them with the robust taste of fermented black beans. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 200 grams dried mussels
  • 2 tablespoons fermented black beans (soaked and mashed)
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Method:
  • Heat oil in a wok, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
  • Add the soaked black beans, stir fry for 2 minutes.
  • Toss in the dried mussels, cook for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Add bell peppers, stir fry for 3 minutes.
  • Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce, cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice.

🍲 Note: Be sure to soak the mussels for a few hours to soften them before cooking.

2. Spicy Dried Mussels Szechuan Style

Szechuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors, and dried mussels fit right into this spicy, aromatic dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 250 grams dried mussels
  • 2 tablespoons chili bean paste
  • 1 tablespoon crushed Szechuan peppercorns
  • 3 dried red chilies, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Green onions for garnish
• Method:
  • Heat oil in a wok, add garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns.
  • Add chili bean paste and dried red chilies, stir fry briefly.
  • Toss in the dried mussels, cook until well-coated and heated through.
  • Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with green onions.

3. Dried Mussels in a Clay Pot

This dish uses a clay pot to give the mussels a unique, earthy flavor while ensuring they cook evenly.

• Ingredients:
  • 300 grams dried mussels
  • 100 grams Chinese sausage, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Spring onions and cilantro for garnish
• Method:
  • Soak the mussels, drain, and place in the clay pot with the sausages.
  • Add both soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, and sugar, mix well.
  • Pour in the broth, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  • Garnish with spring onions and cilantro before serving.

4. Dried Mussels in XO Sauce

Combining dried mussels with XO sauce, known for its complex flavors, creates a luxurious dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 200 grams dried mussels
  • 3 tablespoons XO sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Spring onions for garnish
• Method:
  • Heat the oil, add the XO sauce, stir fry for 1 minute.
  • Add the mussels, cook until well-coated.
  • Mix in the oyster sauce and light soy sauce, simmer briefly.
  • Garnish with spring onions before serving.

5. Dried Mussels with Glass Noodles

This recipe showcases how dried mussels can add depth to simple ingredients like glass noodles.

• Ingredients:
  • 250 grams dried mussels
  • 100 grams dried glass noodles
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
  • Green onions, finely chopped
• Method:
  • Soak the glass noodles and mussels separately.
  • Heat sesame oil in a wok, sauté garlic and ginger until aromatic.
  • Add soaked mussels, stir fry briefly.
  • Add noodles, toss with soy sauce, and cook until tender.
  • Garnish with green onions.

In this exploration of dried mussels, we’ve covered five unique recipes that highlight the versatility and depth of flavor this ingredient can bring to Chinese cooking. Each dish not only showcases the unique taste of dried mussels but also provides a different culinary experience, from the bold heat of Szechuan to the subtle, complex flavors of XO sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Chinese cuisine, these recipes offer a delightful way to experiment with exotic ingredients, enriching your meals with a taste of the sea.

What are dried mussels?

+

Dried mussels are seafood that has been dried to preserve their flavor and nutritional content. They are often used in various Chinese dishes for their intense, umami-rich taste.

How long should you soak dried mussels?

+

Soak dried mussels in water for at least 3-4 hours to rehydrate them, making them tender enough for cooking.

Can dried mussels be stored for a long time?

+

Yes, when stored in a cool, dry place, dried mussels can last for several months. It’s essential to keep them away from moisture to avoid spoilage.