Yellow Curry Mussels

Yellow Curry Mussels is a fragrant, Thai-inspired seafood dish featuring tender mussels simmered in a rich and creamy yellow curry broth made with coconut milk, garlic, ginger, and aromatic herbs. This one-pot meal comes together quickly and is packed with bold, comforting flavors. Whether served as a main course with rice or crusty bread or as a stunning appetizer, it’s a restaurant-worthy recipe you can make at home with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy nights
• Creamy, aromatic curry broth made with simple ingredients
• A one-pot meal with minimal cleanup
• Easy to customize with different proteins or vegetables
• Impressively flavorful and great for entertaining

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons yellow curry paste
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• ½ cup seafood, chicken, or vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves (optional)
• Fresh cilantro and/or Thai basil, for garnish
• Thai chilies (optional, for heat)

directions

this recipe

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté shallot, ginger, and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in the yellow curry paste and cook for another minute to release the spices.
3. Add coconut milk, stock, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime leaves (if using), and cherry tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add cleaned mussels to the pot. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until all mussels have opened. Discard any that remain closed.
5. Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs and optional chili slices. Pair with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread to soak up the broth.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2 (main) or 4 (appetizer)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Swap mussels with clams, shrimp, or cubed firm tofu
• Add spinach, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra vegetables
• Use red or green curry paste instead of yellow for a twist
• Make it dairy-free by ensuring the curry paste and sauces are free of added dairy
• Serve over rice noodles instead of rice or bread

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat; avoid boiling
• Not recommended for freezing as mussels can become rubbery

FAQs

Can I use frozen mussels?

Yes, just be sure they are fully thawed and cleaned before cooking.

What if I don’t have yellow curry paste?

You can substitute red or green curry paste, though the flavor and spice levels will vary.

How do I clean mussels?

Scrub them under cold water, remove any beards, and discard any that are open and don’t close when tapped.

Can I make the curry sauce in advance?

Yes, prepare the broth ahead and reheat before adding fresh mussels when ready to serve.

Are yellow curry mussels spicy?

Yellow curry is generally mild, but you can increase the heat with Thai chilies or chili paste.

What kind of coconut milk should I use?

Full-fat coconut milk is best for a rich, creamy broth.

Do I have to use fish sauce?

Fish sauce adds umami, but you can skip it or use more soy sauce for a vegetarian version.

What can I serve with yellow curry mussels?

Jasmine rice, crusty bread, or rice noodles are perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a large pot and increase ingredients proportionally.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your curry paste is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Yellow Curry Mussels is a bold, beautiful dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. With tender mussels, creamy coconut curry broth, and fresh herbs, it’s a dish that brings the flavors of Thailand to your table. Serve it with rice or bread and enjoy a luxurious, aromatic meal in just 25 minutes.

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