Mussels, a sea food dish known for its high level of nutritious value, may not be everybody’s favorite dish. But those who do, like me for instance, love this delicious dish immensely and when there are left overs, we surely do not want to just throw them in the bin. However, you have to bear in mind reheating mussel leftovers have to be handled the correct way to avoid food poisoning or other related illnesses.
However, mussels is one food item which is not easy to reheat, as more often than not when you reheat mussels they tend to get overcooked and lose their original flavor and become chewy rubbery. On several occasions I have experimented various reheating methods, and following are some of the successful methods to reheat mussels retaining its original fresh taste.
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Can You Eat Cooked Mussels The Next Day?
The answer is yes. As any other cooked food, left over mussels too need to be stored properly in refrigerator within two hours of cooking. You should not consume mussels left out on counter overnight. Properly stored, mussels can be kept in refrigerator for 2-4 days. But, I would say it is best to eat it within two days.
Is It Safe To Reheat Mussels?
Yes, it is safe. You can reheat mussels once cooked. It all depends on how safely you have stored the left over mussels in the refrigerator. It is safe to store mussels in refrigerator for 2 to 4 days and you can freeze them if you intend to keep them for a longer period. Frozen mussels can be thawed in refrigerator before taking out to reheat. It is best to warm them in broth as it helps to retain its texture and flavor.
As I have explained below Mussels is best when it is reheated in its own broth. Mussels can be reheated in microwave, oven, on stove top or in steamer. You can pick whichever method that is best suited to you and enjoy the end result to your heart’s content.
Before jump in to the methods, I suggest you to read complete guide on how to reheat scallops.
How to Reheat Mussels in Oven?
Using an oven to reheat mussels is a great method to without or without shell, though of course it is time consuming. A conventional oven is great way to reheat mussels with or without shell. Just preheat oven to 350o degrees Fahrenheit. Place mussels on a baking sheet in single layer. Let it get warmed for 10 – 20 minutes. Check the warmth and take out of oven and serve immediately.
Another way of reheating is to first pour the broth and sauce onto a oven safe dish and allow it to be fully heated. Remove dish from oven and place mussels and rewarm heat for 10 minutes or until they are fully warmed. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
Can you Reheat Mussels in Microwave?
Yes, you definitely can reheat mussels in microwave successfully. Although I certainly do not want to put you off using this method, personally I would not recommend this method unless this is the only option you are left with as mussels tend to become rubbery, dry and overcooked when reheated in microwave. However, there are those who prefer this method as it is quick and easy.
Place the mussels along with the broth in a microwave safe bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Pierce small holes on plastic wrap with a fork. Heat on high in ten second intervals. Check to ensure the dish has reached the required warmth at each interval. When thoroughly heated, remove dish from microwave and serve immediately.
Seafood boil are one of my favorite! This is how I used different methods to reheat seafood boil.
How to Reheat Mussels on Stove Top?
As above, you will have to remove the shells of the mussels before reheating them. Place a pan or skillet on stove top with cooking oil over medium high heat. Add mussels and let it cook for about three minutes. It is best to lay a single of mussels at first rather than cook all the left over mussels at once.
You may have to cook in batches if you a left with a large quantity, but this way you can be assured the mussels are thoroughly heated evenly. Check whether the mussels are adequately heated and take pan out of fire. You will have to ensure that the mussels are not overcooked as it will make them turn tough.
How to Reheat Mussels in Broth?
The best way to enjoy left over mussels is to reheat them in its own broth. It really does taste better. Adding a little extra water, garlic and butter will definitely enhance the flavor. It is necessary to gently reheat the mussels in the broth to bring out its flavor and retain its texture. Therefore first warm up only the broth. Once the broth boils up allow to simmer for a while and then remove from heat.
Once the boiling has subsided, add mussels and keep stirring to evenly heat them up. The heat and steam will make the mussels to warm without overcooking them. You do not have to return the pan to the fire, as that will make mussels to be recooked.
If you have refrigerated the mussels with the shells, it is best to remove shells, before adding them to be reheated this way.
Out of the many methods available to reheat mussels, I would always opt for this method, as the mussels come up juicier and tastier.
Serve hot.
How to Reheat Mussels in the Shell?
The best way to reheat mussels in their shells is to warm them together with broth. This way it helps to retain their texture. For this purpose you can use the microwave or a conventional oven. If using the microwave, place the mussels along with the broth in a microwave safe bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Pierce small holes on plastic wrap with a fork. Heat on high in ten second intervals. Check to ensure the dish has reached the required warmth at each interval. When thoroughly heated, remove from microwave. Serve immediately.
As explained above a conventional oven is also a great way to reheat mussels with or without shell. Just preheat oven to 350o degrees Fahrenheit. Place mussels on a baking sheet in single layer. Let it get warmed for 10 – 20 minutes. Check the warmth and take out of oven and serve immediately.
However, I would suggest that the best way to reheat mussels is to take mussels out of their shells beforehand. Pre-cooked mussels might become tough when reheating. Removing shells prevent the mussels from drying out when reheating.
Average Time and Temperature for Preheating Mussels!
| Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave | High heat | 100 Seconds intervals |
| Oven | 350F | 10-20 minutes |
| Stove | Medium heat | 3 minutes |
How to Store Mussels for the Purpose of Reheating?
It is best to remove mussels from their shells before storing in the refrigerator. Place the mussels in an airtight container along with a layer of broth in which it was cooked. Seal the container tightly and place in refrigerator. This way it can last for 2 to 3 days. If you intend keeping it for a longer period, you will need to keep it in the freezer.
It is absolutely necessary to ensure that cooked mussels are not allowed to be left out in room temperature for more than two hours, and not left out overnight in order to prevent bacteria setting in.
One more thing, if you are truly enthusiast about shrimp, I suggest you to read complete guide on reheating shrimp.
How Do You Keep Mussels From Getting Soggy?
Sometimes you experience that the mussels gain a mushy texture. This may be due to several reasons. Old mussels when cooked tend to get mushy or soggy. On the other hand it could turn out be the natural texture of a particular type of mussel. Perfectly cooked mussels taste soft and sweet and mushy mussels are not pleasant to eat.
Another reason for soggy mussels is that when storing leftover mussels you leave too much left over broth in the same container. Therefore, if you are left with a considerable amount of broth along with mussels, store the broth in a separate air tight container.
FAQ!
Can You Reheat Mussels Twice?
Yes, you can safely reheat mussels twice. What’s more it even tastes better second time around.
Can You Reheat Stir Fried Mussels?
It is best to reheat mussels separately. Add the mussels after the rest of the dish is reheated
Can You Reheat Mussels Once Cooked?
You can reheat mussels once cooked. First warm the broth they were cooked in and then add the mussels. This way it helps to retain their moisture and texture.
What Is The Best Way To Reheat Mussels?
Mussels may not be everyone’s favorite dish, but those who love them, like to preserve any leftovers to enjoy them at a later date. He question is can mussels be reheated and whether it is safe to reheat mussels? The good news is, properly stored mussels can be safely reheated and eaten at a later date. Out of the methods given above, in my opinion, the best way to reheat them is in its own broth, sauce or stock on stove top. Reheat them on stove top as given above and you I assure you will get back your mussels dish retaining its original moisture, flavor and texture as well.
