One of my favorite comfort foods is a big bowl of mussels with crusty bread.

Unlike clams or oysters, however, Ive never eaten mussels raw and prefer them in a rich sauce.

Take this tomato sauce with bacon and wine, for example.

A pan of steamed mussels with tomato sauce and bread on the side

Nick Evans

Lets dig in and make some mussels.

The mussels should smell fresh, like the ocean, but not fishy at all.

Generally, I venture to buy mussels the same day or the day before Im planning on cooking them.

How to Cook Mussels in Tomato Sauce - closeup of steaming mussels in cast iron pan

Nick Evans

The only step you have to do to clean the mussels is to remove the beard."

Go through each mussel and just pull this off if you see it.

It might not be on every single mussel, but its a good idea to check.

Mussels in Spicy tomato sauce recipe - closeup of mussel

Nick Evans

Then they are ready to cook!

Youre going to be adding to it, anyway!

Start the sauce with some bacon in a skillet and the fat will start to melt.

Mussels in Spicy tomato sauce recipe - overhead shot of spaghetti on plate with mussels on side

Nick Evans

Then add the garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and cook for a minute.

Bring the marinara mixture to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes over low heat.

Any mussels that havent opened after five minutes should be discarded.

Mussels in tomato sauce recipe - plate of spaghetti with mussels on side and fork

Nick Evans

What to Serve With Mussels

There are two options for serving these mussels.

Mussels Do Not Make Good Leftovers

Mussels, unfortunately, dont store well once they are cooked.

I wouldnt freeze the sauce.

How to Cook Mussels in Tomato Sauce bacon, onions, and garlic cooking in pan

Nick Evans

Cooked frozen mussels are not a thing.

Their texture gets mushy and they lose their fresh flavor.

Love Bivalves?

Spaghetti with mussels - mussels in pan of tomato sauce

Nick Evans

Here Are More Recipes!

This is called the beard and isnt edible.

Pull it out from each mussel and then rinse the mussels well in cold water.

How to Cook Mussels in Tomato Sauce - spaghetti with sauce and mussels on plate

Nick Evans

Cook bacon until it renders out fat and starts to get crispy, 5 to 6 minutes.

Cook for another minute or two to soften the garlic and combine flavors.

Cook for a minute and then pour in marinara sauce and stir.

Remove the lid and add all the mussels.

Cover and shake the skillet gently.

Cook mussels for 4 to 5 minutes, until they open.

Discard any that do not open.

Serve with crusty bread as an appetizer or over cooked pasta as a main course.

Leftover mussels and sauce:Mussels, like most seafood, dont keep well for long as leftovers.

The sauce and mussels are fine in the fridge for a day or two.

Reheat them gently on the stove with a splash of water.

I would not freeze this dish.

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