Grilled mussels with chilli and basil butter

If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious seafood dish, these grilled mussels with chilli and basil butter are a must-try! As a chef, I love how this recipe balances the natural sweetness of fresh mussels with the rich, herby kick of basil butter with a touch of heat from chilli flakes. It's a simple yet flavour-packed dish that’s perfect for summer BBQs, entertaining, or a quick weeknight meal.

Grilling mussels intensifies their flavour, adding a light smokiness while keeping them juicy and tender. Plus, they cook in just minutes, making this a fuss-free, restaurant-quality dish you can easily recreate at home. Let's get cooking!

You may well know that we are big fans of seafood recipes, living in the South Pacific and having access to such a delicious range of seafood has definitely impacted that. We love sharing all our chef tips for cooking seafood to perfection, helping you get more confident cooking your favourite seafood dishes at home.

Love this recipe, then our popular mussels in a white wine crean sauce are a must try!

Ingredients you’ll need

For this recipe, we’re keeping it simple—letting the natural sweetness of the mussels shine.

Mussels

• 1 kg fresh mussels – If you can get fresh mussels, go for it! They take a little more prep but reward you in flavour.
• OR 1 kg pre-cooked vacuum-packed mussels – A convenient option, often pre-cleaned and ready to go.

Basil Chilli Butter (Make ahead to allow time to chill)

• Fresh basil leaves – Fragrant, fresh pairing with seafood.
• Butter, softened – To add a rich, indulgent coating to the mussels, yum!
• Garlic cloves, chopped – Because garlic and butter are a match made in heaven.
• Dried chilli flakes – Just enough heat to balance the butter’s richness.
• Half a lemon, zest only – Brightens the flavours and cuts through the butter.
• Pinch of salt & pepper – Enhances all those incredible flavors.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Clean the Mussels

- If using fresh mussels, they need a quick clean:

• Rinse them under cold water, scrubbing off any debris.
• Pull away the “beard” (that stringy bit sticking out).
• Discard any that are damaged or open.

To steam the mussels:

• Heat a large pot with a lid over high heat.
• Add the cleaned mussels with a splash of water, cover, and steam until they open (this takes just a few minutes).
• Remove them from the pot, let them cool, and discard any that didn’t open.
• Remove one shell per mussel so you’re left with half-shelled mussels.

- If using pre-cooked vacuum-packed mussels, they’re likely pre-cleaned. Just check them over and remove any remaining beards or damaged mussels. Then remove one side of the shell to create half shells.

2. Make the basil chilli butter (Best made in advance!)

This compound butter is where the magic happens. Here’s how to do it:

• Toss the basil, softened butter, garlic, chilli flakes, lemon zest, salt, and pepper into a food processor.
• Blend until smooth—it should be vibrant green and packed with flavour.
• Lay out some cling film, spoon the butter into the centre, and roll it into a log shape, twisting the ends.
• Pop it in the fridge to chill and harden ( Chef's tip: or put it in the freezer if you're short on time).

3. Grill the Mussels

Now, for the fun part, time to get grilling!

• Preheat your BBQ grill to high heat.
• Arrange the half-shell mussels on a tray, shell side down.
• Unwrap your chilled basil butter log, slice it into thin rounds, and place a piece on each mussel.
• Transfer the mussels onto the hot grill and let them cook until the butter is sizzling, about 3 minutes.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

Carefully remove the hot mussels and place them on your serving platter, garnish with fresh basil leaves. They’re best enjoyed straight off the grill while the butter is still warm and melty, so serve immediately.

Pair with crusty bread or homemade flatbread to mop up that delicious herb butter!

Love seafood? Try these recipes next!

Serving Suggestions

Grilled mussels are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides and flavours. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or making them the star of the meal, here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

• Crusty Bread or Flatbreads – Soak up all that delicious, buttery sauce with fresh crusty bread or try our homemade roti. The combination of grilled mussels and warm, pillowy bread is a match made in seafood heaven!
• Fresh Salads – Balance the rich, herby butter with a bright and refreshing salad like Orange & Fennel Salad or a light Prawn Salad.
• Grilled Vegetables – serve with our roasted heirloom carrots or butternut squash salad for an easy and flavourful side.
• Pasta or Rice – Want to turn this into a heartier meal? Serve with a simple pasta or rice dish. Try our creamy paua recipe for a delicious seafood pasta dish.
• Moules Frites (Mussels & Fries) – A classic French pairing! Serve these mussels with a side of crispy fries for a fun twist on moules frites, perfect for soaking up that delicious butter.
• Whole Fish for a Seafood Feast – Make it a seafood feast by serving these mussels alongside a show-stopping whole fish like Steamed Snapper with Chilli Jam & Asian Cucumber Salad or Whole Baked Flounder. The combination of tender, flaky fish and smoky grilled mussels creates a meal worthy of any special occasion.
• White Wine Pairing – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling enhances the briny sweetness of the mussels while complementing the herbaceous butter.

Whichever way you serve them, these grilled mussels are sure to impress!

Grilled mussels with chilli and basil butter are the perfect balance of simple and impressive. They’re quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and ideal for everything from casual BBQs to elegant seafood platters. Plus, with a few chef tips and tricks, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality mussels right from your own grill.