Spicy Thai Mussels

2 - 3 pounds of mussels (or clams) cleaned and seaweed removed

2 tbs neutral oil

3 - 4 cloves or garlic, minced

2 - 3 tbs sriracha

fish sauce, to taste

handful of Thai or sweet basil leaves

2 cups water

(optional) 2 green onions cut into two inch pieces

COOKING

  1. Heat wok over over medium high heat.
  2. Add oil and wait until it shimmers
  3. Add garlic and sriracha. Cook until very fragrant
  4. Add water and taste. Add fish sauce to adjust flavor and saltiness. Bring to a boil.
  5. Add mussels and sprinkle basil over the top. Cover and cook until the mussels open and the basil wilts. 
  6. Give the whole thing a good stir to get the juices into the mussels and serve. The liquid tastes great served over rice.

Notes

  1. Fish sauce is needed for clams but you can leave it out for mussels. I like it's flavor and add it to both though.
  2. To server I usually put a scoop of rice in a bowl and then add some of the delicious cooking liquid. Then pile on the mussels and basil.