A Spicy Tequila Mussels Recipe

A spicy seafood appetizer spiked with tequila

This steamed mussels recipe is how I recommend starting a saucy, boozy-themed, aphrodisiac dinner for two. (For more on creating a spirits-laced dinner for two, read my article, “Hitting the Sauce.”) These tequila mussels are my version of classic, French shellfish steamed in white wine. Only I use tequila. What can I say? It’s the Southern Californian in me!

This steamed mussels recipe is an incredibly fragrant dish, the one kind that will have your lover drooling, thinking that you’re performing miracles in the kitchen. But in truth, you won’t even have to break a sweat with this one. This recipe is that easy.

Why I like to cook with tequila

As I explained in my introduction to cooking with alcohol, when it’s cooked down, tequila loses its biting, alcoholic edge. And what is left is the smooth sweetness of roasted agave. But, of course, you don’t have to worry about getting drunk from these tequila mussels. Although they’re drinking in the gorgeous flavor profile of the tequila as they cook, much of the alcohol’s intoxicating effects dissipate. What you’re left with are succulently moist fruits of the sea kissed by tequila’s essence.

What makes this an aphrodisiac recipe?

Of course, tequila isn’t the only aphrodisiac in this dish. The mussels themselves are considered aphrodisiac and actually have several properties to help boost sexual health. Discover more about the aphrodisiac side of mussels. And then there are the two other title ingredients. Harlot red tomatoes make the list of the world’s greatest aphrodisiacs. And so does the stinging heat of jalapeños.

Serve Tequila Mussels as a starter before my Salmon in Juniper Gin Sauce and Madeleines with Vodka Lemon Glaze. And don’t forget the Lavender Lemon Shooters!

Tequila Mussels with Jalapenos and Tomatoes

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Diane Brown offers this boozy recipe for mussels steamed in super-sexy tequila. 

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American, Southwestern

Diet and Health Healthy, low carb

Seasonal New Year's Eve, spring, Valentine's Day, winter

Ingredient mussels

Servings 2 servings as an appetizer

Author Diane Brown

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 roma tomatoes diced
• 2 green onions sliced
• 2 celery stalks thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeno chili sliced 1/2 inch thick with seeds
• 1/4 cup tequila
• 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 lb mussels about 30, scrubbed, debearded

Instructions

• Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Mix in tomatoes, then next 5 ingredients. Add mussels.
• Cover and steam until mussels open, about 7 minutes (discard any mussels that do not open).
• Using slotted spoon, transfer mussels to large bowl.
• Simmer sauce uncovered until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
• Pour sauce to complete the tequila mussels and serve.

View the whole menu and get more boozy recipe ideas with my Diva Dish dinner plan, “Hitting the Sauce.”

Love the recipe? Get my cookbook,  The Seduction Cookbook: Culinary Creations For Lovers.

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Diane Brown

Diane Brown is the author of The Seduction Cookbook: Culinary Creations For Lovers, (Innova Publishing 2005). She is a personal chef as well as a freelance food writer. Her work has appeared in publications including Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Sunset, Veggie Life, Chile Pepper and Wine Enthusiast. She has taught aphrodisiac cooking both in person and on tv and radio, including appearances on The Other Half, Fox News “Ask the Expert” and Leeza at Night. A champion of CSA's, Diane writes the blog Family Farm Box, where she showcases the use of local, fresh produce.

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