Mejillones Tigre
Spicy Stuffed Mussels
A classic Spanish tapas dish featuring mussels stuffed with a rich, savory béchamel filling, breaded, and deep-fried to a golden crisp. These 'tiger mussels' are a delightful explosion of flavor and texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Fresh Mussels
- 50 g Butter
- 50 g All-purpose flour
- 400 ml Milk
- 50 g Jamón Serrano or other cured ham
- from the cooked mussels Mussel meat
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- pinch Cayenne pepper or chili flakes
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- for deep frying Vegetable oil or other neutral oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the mussels: Steam the cleaned mussels in a pot with a splash of water (about 50ml) over medium-high heat, covered, until they just open, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open. Carefully remove the mussel meat from the shells, reserving about half of the cleaned, empty shells (discard the rest). Finely chop the mussel meat.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Make the béchamel filling: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens to a very thick, paste-like consistency, similar to mashed potatoes. This may take 5-8 minutes. Stir in the finely diced jamón, chopped mussel meat, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring, to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Assemble and chill the mussels: Carefully spoon the béchamel mixture into the reserved half-shells, filling them generously. Place the filled shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) until the filling is firm and set. This step is crucial for preventing the filling from falling out during frying.
⏱️ 30 minutes (minimum chilling time) - 4
Bread and fry the mussels: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each filled mussel half-shell first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, press it into the breadcrumbs, making sure the entire surface is covered. Repeat for all mussels. Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 180°C (350°F). Carefully lower the breaded mussels into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for 2-4 minutes, or until the breading is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried mussels and drain them on paper towels.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 5
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
⏱️ N/A
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The béchamel must be very thick to hold its shape. If it seems too thin, cook it longer, stirring constantly.
- ✓Chilling the stuffed mussels thoroughly is essential. This firms up the filling, making it easier to handle and preventing it from oozing out during frying.
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Too cool, and the mussels will absorb too much oil; too hot, and the breading will burn before the filling is heated through.
- ✓Serve immediately after frying for the best texture – crispy on the outside, warm and creamy on the inside.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely diced chorizo or other cured sausage to the béchamel mixture for extra flavor and spice.
- Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a finely chopped fresh chili to the filling for a spicier 'tigre'.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of tomato paste into the béchamel for a richer color and taste.