Succulent mussels sautéed in rich garlic butter and topped with melted cheddar cheese, creating a quick and delicious seafood dish—no baking required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This buttered garlic cheesy tahong recipe is a quick and indulgent seafood treat that requires minimal effort. Succulent mussels are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese, creating a delicious dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or main course. No oven required—just simple stovetop cooking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram fresh mussels
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Chili flakes (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Clean the Mussels: Rinse the mussels under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Discard any mussels that remain open or do not close when tapped.
- Cook the Mussels: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the cleaned mussels and cook until they open, approximately 5–7 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a separate pan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
- Combine Mussels with Sauce: Add the cooked mussels to the pan and stir to coat them evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mussels. Allow the cheese to melt, stirring occasionally to ensure even coverage.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese has melted, remove the pan from heat. Garnish the mussels with chopped fresh parsley and chili flakes, if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Creamy Option: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or evaporated milk for a richer texture.
- Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, parmesan, or gouda for a unique flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme or basil to enhance the aroma.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as mussels can become tough when frozen and reheated.
- Reheating: Warm over low heat in a covered pan, adding a bit of butter if needed to prevent drying.
FAQs
Do I need to remove the mussels from their shells?
No, keeping the mussels in their shells helps retain their flavor and presentation.
Can I use frozen mussels?
Yes, but fresh mussels provide the best taste and texture. If using frozen, thaw them first and discard any that don’t open when cooked.
What can I serve with buttered garlic cheesy tahong?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, rice, or a fresh salad.
Can I use a different type of seafood?
Yes! This recipe also works well with clams, shrimp, or scallops.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute butter with olive oil and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
What’s the best way to clean mussels?
Scrub the shells under running water and remove the “beard” (fibrous strands) attached to the mussels.
How do I know when mussels are cooked?
Mussels are done when their shells open. Discard any that remain closed after cooking.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but garlic powder can be used if necessary.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar melts well, but parmesan, gouda, or mozzarella are great alternatives.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the mussels and garlic butter sauce ahead of time for quick assembly.
Conclusion
Buttered garlic cheesy tahong is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a quick meal, this recipe delivers rich, cheesy goodness in every bite. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home!
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Buttered Garlic Cheesy Tahong
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Succulent mussels sautéed in garlic butter, topped with melted cheddar—quick, flavorful, and delicious! A seafood delight with no baking!
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram fresh mussels
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Chili flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Clean the Mussels: Rinse mussels under running water, removing dirt and debris. Discard any that remain open or do not close when tapped.
- Cook the Mussels: In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add mussels and cook for 5–7 minutes until they open. Discard any that remain closed.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a pan over low heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Season with black pepper.
- Combine Mussels with Sauce: Add cooked mussels to the pan, stirring to evenly coat them with the garlic butter sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the mussels. Stir gently until cheese melts and coats the mussels evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and optional chili flakes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra richness, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Serve with toasted garlic bread for an extra treat.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
