Sake Steamed Mussels - Recipe by Koji Cooks

I originally created this recipe while living on my houseboat in Sausalito for a progressive boat to boat dinner party. I have incorporated this recipe in various restaurants, and it allows for numerous additions. This photo features ramen noodles.

SAKE STEAMED MUSSELS

SAKE STEAMED MUSSELS - Recipe (serves 4)

4-6 pounds cleaned mussels

3 tablespoons sweet butter

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 leek cleaned and diced about 1 cup.

1/4 cup diced red onion

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 cup of sake

1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon sea salt

20 grinds of fresh black pepper

8 ounces cooked ramen noodles about 4 cups.

METHOD

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil, leeks, and onion, sautéing for around 3 minutes until the leeks soften. Incorporate the garlic, sake, stock, sugar, salt and pepper, bring to a boil, and cook while stirring for 3 minutes. Add the mussels, cover, and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon after the first 4 minutes. Serve the mussels and quickly mix the noodles into the hot broth, then add the noodles to the plate and ladle some more hot broth on top.