A seafood feast can be ruined by gritty mussels, but this fate is easily avoided with proper cleaning. Here's a trick to help ensure a grit-free experience.

Add the onion, garlic and basil; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the fennel and cook until slightly softened, 3 to 4 minutes.

If the mussel’s still alive, it will close its shell. If it doesn’t close, toss it. How to clean mussels Before cooking, dump your mussels into a colander in the sink and run cold water over them.

If the mussel’s still alive, it will close its shell. If it doesn’t close, toss it. How to clean mussels Before cooking, dump your mussels into a colander in the sink and run cold water over them.

To remove the beard, grasp it with a clean, dry towel and yank it out. How to cook mussels: You can use dry heat with mussels. Layer them in a dry cast-iron skillet and cook them on the stovetop.

If the mussel’s still alive, it will close its shell. If it doesn’t close, toss it. How to clean mussels Before cooking, dump your mussels into a colander in the sink and run cold water over them.

If the mussel’s still alive, it will close its shell. If it doesn’t close, toss it. How to clean mussels Before cooking, dump your mussels into a colander in the sink and run cold water over them.

How Long Do Mussels Take to Cook Cooking mussels will take 5 to 7 minutes, so here’s what you need to get started: If you want to cook two servings of mussels, add ½ inch water or other liquid ...