If you haven't already noticed, I am obsessed with Chinese buffet food. Today, I am sharing another one of my favorite recipes: Cheesy Mayo Mussels.
I remember eating half a dozen of these every time I went to the buffet. My mom also really liked them, but she would scrape off the mayo because she wanted to eat more of the mussels. More value for money, I guess? But the mayo was the best part!
I have seen two versions at the buffet: one with cheese and one without. Personally, I think it tastes better with a bit of cheese, especially if the cheese turns brown and a little bit crispy. I used mozzarella cheese.
What mussels to use?
I'm using frozen New Zealand green mussels in the half-shell. "In the half shell" means the top shell is removed. The bottom shell is still there so you can top it with toppings and bake them in the oven. Here is a picture of the mussels I am using:
The box says the mussels are blanched, which means they were partially boiled or steamed beforehand. This is mainly to preserve their flavor and texture. However, this does not always mean they are fully cooked. We need to bake them for 8-10 minutes until they're cooked through.
What mayo to use?
I really like the flavor of Japanese mayo in this recipe. I think it pairs really well with seafood in general. I'm using the Kewpie brand. You can buy it at most Asian markets. The bottle has a red cap:
If you do not have Japanese mayo, you can also use Hellman's mayo or Miracle Whip. Both are commonly used in Chinese restaurants, but Miracle Whip is more popular in Hong Kong.
Cheesy Mayo Mussels (Chinese Buffet Style)
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise (I am using Kewpie Japanese mayo)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (or vinegar)
- 1 pound mussels in the half-shell
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and set the rack in the middle position.
- Combine the mayonnaise, garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Place the mussels on a baking sheet with the shell on the bottom. Spoon the mayo sauce over the mussels and sprinkle some shredded cheese on top.
- Bake the mussels for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to brown in some spots.
Gina
Are the mussels cooked or raw beforehand?
Grumpy
The mussels I used were "blanched" according to the box but i'm not exactly sure if that means it was 100% cooked. In any case, I'd recommend just cooking 8-10 minutes, raw or cooked, until it reaches at least 145F in the center. Should be good by then. And I dont think it will be too dry.
Irma
Made these and they were delicious. My husband raved and asked me to please make them again.
Made them a second time with clams instead of mussels and they were just as delicious
Grumpy
Thanks, Irma! Glad you guys enjoyed them 🙂
Dana
This looks so good! I want to make these but, is the sugar absolutely necessary or can I make it without it?
Grumpy
You can leave it out!
Dana
Ok, great! Thank you so much!
Dana
One more question. Do you thaw them beforehand or just put them in the oven frozen?
Rosa Tejera
Everyone loved them. Will be making again. Thank you