Mussels in Luscious Creamy Pernod Sauce

Fresh mussels are gently steamed in a decadent sauce featuring the unique, aromatic flavor of Pernod, rich cream, and herbs. It’s a luxurious seafood dish that’s surprisingly easy to whip up and will instantly transport you to the French coast!

🥄 Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1/3 cup Pernod (or another anise-flavored liqueur)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Crusty baguette, for dipping

🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Mussels:
🧽 Scrub and debeard the mussels under cold water. Discard any that remain open when tapped.

2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
🧄 In a large Dutch oven or deep pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

3️⃣ Deglaze with Pernod:
🍸 Pour in the Pernod and let it bubble for about 1 minute to cook off the alcohol slightly.

4️⃣ Steam the Mussels:
🦪 Add the mussels, cover the pot, and steam for 5–7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until the mussels open.

5️⃣ Create the Creamy Sauce:
🥄 Remove the mussels with a slotted spoon and set aside. Stir the heavy cream and Dijon mustard into the Pernod broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly. Season with black pepper.

6️⃣ Serve:
🌿 Pour the sauce over the mussels, sprinkle with fresh tarragon if using, and serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Mussels in Creamy Pernod Sauce

🍳 Enameled Dutch Oven – Perfect for steaming mussels evenly without sticking
🧄 Garlic Press Tool – Quickly mince garlic for rich, aromatic flavor
🍸 Pernod Anise Liqueur – Authentic Pernod for that classic French taste
🔪 Slotted Spoon – Ideal for lifting mussels out without the broth
🍋 Citrus Juicer – Easy lemon juice for that perfect finishing touch
🍞 Bread Basket Warmer – Keep your baguette warm and ready for dipping

💡 Helpful Tip:

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the cream simmer a minute or two longer after adding it to the broth — just be sure not to overcook it, so the flavor stays bright and rich!