Thai Coconut Curry Mussels with Toasted Naan
Craving flavorful recipes using coconut milk? Try my Thai Coconut Curry Mussels! Ready in 35 mins, this creamy dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get the recipe!

Alright, gather 'round, you lot! ever wondered what to do with that can of coconut milk hiding at the back of your cupboard? well, wonder no more! i've got a cracking recipes using coconut milk that’ll knock your socks off.
We're diving headfirst into thai coconut curry mussels with toasted naan.
Ahoy There, Mussels!
Think of a sun-drenched beach in thailand. then, imagine slurping up the most delicious curry imaginable. these mussels are proper lush! they're simmered in a coconut curry broth bursting with lemongrass, ginger, and just the right amount of chili kick.
This recipe takes about 35 minutes. it feeds 2-3 hungry souls.
Thai Coconut Curry Mussels with Toasted Naan Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2-3 naan breads
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
🥄 Instructions:
- Clean and debeard mussels. Discard any open mussels that don't close when tapped.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened. Add garlic, ginger, chili, and lemongrass; cook until fragrant.
- Add bell pepper and cook briefly. Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime juice. Bring to a simmer.
- Add mussels to the pot. Cover and cook until all mussels have opened (about 5-7 minutes). Discard any mussels that don't open.
- While the mussels are cooking, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush naan bread with melted butter (if using) and sprinkle with sea salt. Toast until lightly golden and crispy.
- Remove lemongrass stalk from the mussel pot. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with toasted naan bread and lime wedges.
Why You'll Bloody Love This
Honestly, this isn't just tasty; it's good for you ! coconut milk is packed with healthy fats. that is such a welcome.
Plus, mussels are a great source of protein and iron. serve it on a chilly evening when you fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate.
What makes this special? the combination of fragrant thai spices and the sweetness of coconut. it’s a right treat! let's gather the ingredients for this culinary adventure.
Right then, let's talk ingredients for these Thai Coconut Curry Mussels. Honestly, it's all about fresh flavours. We're channeling a bit of Thailand, but keeping it dead easy.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Players: The Mussel Crew
For the stars of the show, grab 2 lbs (900g) of fresh mussels . smell them! they should smell like the sea, not like… well, you know.
Get them scrubbed and debearded, mind. you'll also need 1 tbsp of olive oil to get things sizzling. next is 1 small onion , finely chopped.
Then 2 cloves of garlic , minced and 1 inch (2.5 cm) of ginger , grated. don't forget 1 red chili , finely chopped (lose the seeds if you're a bit of a wimp!).
A stalk of lemongrass, bruised, plus 1 red bell pepper , sliced and a 13.5 oz (400ml) can of full-fat coconut milk .
You will need 2 tbsp of fish sauce and 1 tbsp of lime juice ! then 1/4 cup (60ml) of chopped fresh cilantro .
Salt and pepper of course to taste.
The coconut milk is key. It’s what makes it creamy and dreamy. Recipes using coconut milk are fantastic when you nail the quality.
Seasoning Sensation: Spice it Right
Ginger, garlic, chili, and lemongrass? oh my gosh! that's the base. don't skip on the fish sauce though, it adds that essential umami punch.
If you're veggie, soy sauce with a pinch of salt works too. lime juice brightens things up at the end.
Essential stuff for the best recipes using coconut milk .
Kit's Essentials: Gear Up!
You don't need fancy stuff here. a big pot with a lid is your main thing. a chopping board and sharp knife are essential.
Also, a microplane or grater for the ginger and a small bowl for bits and bobs.
Think about coconut milk recipes dessert . wouldn't this curry be amazing served over a milk chocolate mousse recipe ? joking! but seriously, get that naan on a baking sheet if you are toasting it.
Now, if you're feeling fancy, a pastry brush for buttering the naan. But honestly, just drizzling it works just as well. Simple is often best, right?
This curry is surprisingly good for you too. it's almost a paleo vegan dessert , if you replace the naan with some sweet potato fries.
Who am i kidding? nah, but you get the idea, right? this chocolate mousse recipe sounds good, but a hot curry and chocolate? what do you think about that?
So there we have it. it can almost be a postre keto ! coconut milk chocolate is amazing and this curry is too.
Give it a go and tell me what you think. this isn't any of the best vegan desserts or milk recipes dessert .
But you can enjoy the flavour like one!

Alright, let's get stuck in! this thai coconut curry mussels recipe is proper lush. a real treat that won't keep you chained to the stove all night.
Think of it like a mini holiday in a bowl! plus, it's a great way to sneak some seafood into your diet.
Always a win, right?
Thai Coconut Curry Mussels: From Market to Table
First things first, let's get organised. Essential mise en place is key. No one wants to be scrambling for garlic when the mussels are ready.
Prep Steps: Cracking the Code
Essential mise en place: get your mussels scrubbed and debearded. chop your onion, garlic, chili, and ginger. slice your red pepper.
Get your coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime juice ready to go. toast your naan. trust me, this is important!
Time-Saving Tips: Pre-chopped veggies are your friend! Don't be afraid to buy them if you're short on time. Seriously!
Safety Reminder: Make sure your mussels are fresh. They should smell like the sea. Chuck out any that are open and don't close when tapped. No risks, yeah?
Cooking the Mussels: The Nitty-Gritty
Okay, time for the main event! It all happens fast, so pay attention.
- Sauté: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft. Then add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 inch of grated ginger, and 1 finely chopped red chili. Cook till you can smell all those lovely aromatics.
- Coconutty Goodness: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and cook for a minute. Pour in one can (13.5 oz / 400ml) of full-fat coconut milk , 2 tbsp of fish sauce, and 1 tbsp of lime juice. Bring to a simmer. Speaking of coconut milk, have you tried the Milk Chocolate Mousse Recipe using coconut milk alternatives? A great Paleo Vegan Dessert idea.
- Mussel Magic: Add 2 lbs of scrubbed and debearded mussels to the pot. Cover and cook until all the mussels have opened, about 5- 7 minutes. Get rid of any that stay closed!
- Toasted Naan: While those mussels are steaming, stick your 2-3 naan breads in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven. Give 'em a brush with melted butter (optional) and a sprinkle of sea salt. Toast until golden and crispy.
- Serve it Up: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately with your toasted naan. Get stuck in, that Chocolate Mousse Recipe can wait.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Mussels
Want to really impress? Try these!
Expert Technique: Bruise the lemongrass stalk to release more flavour. Just bash it with the back of a knife. Honestly, makes a difference!
Common Mistake: Overcooking the mussels. They should be tender, not rubbery. If you are looking for Coconut Milk Recipes Dessert alternatives, maybe a Milk Chocolate Mousse could work.
Make-Ahead: You can chop all your veggies ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
So there you have it. thai coconut curry mussels that'll knock your socks off! this is way better than some bland milk recipes dessert , right? and for those looking for something truly special, you could even try making coconut milk chocolate at home.
Enjoy.
Right then, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for this Thai Coconut Curry Mussels . I've cooked this dish a few times now. Honestly, it’s a proper crowd-pleaser!
Recipe Notes
Think of these notes as your little cheat sheet. It helps you make this Coconut Milk Recipes Dessert better.
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Swish
Okay, plating is key, innit? pile those mussels high in a nice bowl. garnish with loads of fresh cilantro. drizzle a little extra coconut milk over the top.
Serve it with the toasted naan. a squeeze of lime seals the deal.
Thinking about drinks? A chilled glass of white wine goes down a treat. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer works too.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Right, leftovers are inevitable, aren't they? once cooled, store the mussels in an airtight container. keep them in the fridge for up to two days.
Reheat them gently in a pan. make sure they are piping hot. toss out any that didn't open during the first cook.
Freezing isn’t really recommended, to be fair. Mussels tend to get a bit rubbery.
Variations: Mix it Up a Bit
Fancy a change? You could totally chuck in some prawns or scallops. It would add a bit of extra seafood oomph.
Paleo vegan dessert option? swap the mussels for firm tofu. use tamari instead of fish sauce. boom! loads of flavour still! i once accidentally used almond milk instead of coconut milk (don't ask!).
It was still pretty lush, to be honest.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, so roughly, you're looking at around 450 calories per serving. Lots of protein from the mussels. Healthy fats from the coconut milk. It's also got vitamins and minerals.
Mussels are a good source of iron. Coconut milk adds some good fats. Just remember, like with all yummy food – moderation is key!
So there you have it. all my best tips and tricks. these recipes using coconut milk are awesome. get stuck in and have a go! let me know what you think.
And seriously, give the milk chocolate mousse recipe a whirl sometime – it’s dead easy! you deserve a treat. maybe i'll try creating a coconut milk chocolate mousse one day.
If you are looking for the Best Vegan Desserts , this recipe is totally worth it.
You can also search for Chocolate Mousse Recipe .
Are you looking for a Postre Keto ? Well, this is a good option
Now get in the kitchen and get creative!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Thai Coconut Curry Mussels if I'm not a confident cook?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be approachable. While it might seem a bit cheffy, each step is quite simple. Just take your time prepping the ingredients and follow the instructions carefully. Think of it as a culinary adventure – even if you have a minor "bake-off disaster," it'll still taste fantastic!
I'm allergic to shellfish! Are there any good substitutions for these recipes using coconut milk?
No worries, mate! You can easily swap the mussels for firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, cube it, and add it at the same time you would add the mussels. Also, remember to use soy sauce instead of fish sauce to maintain the vegan-friendly nature of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, halloumi could also work!
How long can I store leftovers of this recipe using coconut milk, and how should I reheat it?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to discard any mussels that didn't open during the initial cooking. To reheat, gently warm the mussels in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if needed to prevent them from drying out. Avoid boiling, as this can make the mussels tough. Best enjoyed the next day, like a proper bubble and squeak!
What if I don't have all the ingredients? Can I make substitutions in these recipes using coconut milk?
Definitely! If you're missing lemongrass, a little lemon zest and ground ginger will do the trick. No fish sauce? Soy sauce with a pinch of salt is a reasonable alternative. And if you don't have naan, any crusty bread or even rice will work wonders for soaking up that delicious coconut curry sauce. Don't be afraid to get creative – that's what cooking's all about!
Can I make this dish spicier or milder? What's the best way to adjust the heat in recipes using coconut milk?
Absolutely! The amount of chili is your control knob for spiciness. For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the chili or use a milder chili variety altogether. If you're a proper chili-head, add an extra chili or a dash of chili flakes. Remember that the heat will intensify as the dish sits, so taste and adjust accordingly before serving. Think of it as your own personal spice challenge!
Is coconut milk healthy? And what's the deal with full-fat vs. light coconut milk in this recipe?
Coconut milk is high in saturated fat, but it also contains beneficial nutrients. Full-fat coconut milk will give you a richer, creamier sauce, which is what we're after for this indulgent dish. Light coconut milk can be used to reduce the calorie count, but the flavor won't be quite as intense. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference and dietary needs - use the one that best suits your fancy!
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