📝 About This Recipe
A beloved staple at Filipino celebrations and coastal gatherings, Baked Tahong transforms humble green-lipped mussels into a gourmet experience. Each shell is cradled in a luscious blanket of garlic-infused butter and topped with a molten, bubbly layer of quick-melt cheese. This dish perfectly balances the briny sweetness of the sea with a rich, savory crust, making it an irresistible appetizer or main course for any seafood lover.
🥗 Ingredients
The Mussels
- 1 kilogram Green Mussels (Tahong) (fresh or frozen on the half-shell, cleaned and bearded)
- 1/2 cup Water (for steaming)
- 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger (crushed, to remove fishiness during steaming)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened at room temperature)
- 6-8 cloves Garlic (very finely minced)
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (Japanese or Filipino style for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar (to balance the saltiness)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
The Cheesy Crust
- 1 cup Quick-melt Cheese (grated (e.g., Eden or Magnolia brand for authenticity))
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese (grated, for that iconic cheese pull)
- 2 tablespoons Breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Parsley (finely chopped for color)
- 1 tablespoon Toasted Garlic Bits (for extra texture and aroma)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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2
Clean the mussels thoroughly under cold running water. Scrub the shells and remove the 'beard' (the hairy ligament) if still attached.
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3
In a wide pan, bring 1/2 cup of water and the crushed ginger to a boil. Add the mussels, cover, and steam for 3-5 minutes or just until the shells open.
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4
Discard any mussels that did not open during the steaming process, as they may not be safe to eat.
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5
Drain the mussels and let them cool slightly. Remove the top shell of each mussel, leaving the meat attached to the bottom half-shell.
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6
Use a knife to gently loosen the mussel meat from its shell (but keep it inside the shell). This makes it much easier for your guests to eat later!
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7
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, mayonnaise, sugar, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well-incorporated.
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8
Arrange the half-shell mussels in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are stable and not overlapping.
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9
Place about 1/2 teaspoon of the garlic-butter mixture onto each mussel, spreading it slightly to cover the meat.
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10
Generously top each mussel with the grated quick-melt cheese and a pinch of mozzarella. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle a tiny amount on top now.
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11
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is starting to bubble.
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12
For a perfect finish, turn the oven to 'Broil' for the last 1-2 minutes until the cheese develops beautiful golden-brown spots. Watch closely to prevent burning!
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13
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped parsley and toasted garlic bits while the cheese is still molten.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use fresh mussels if possible; they should smell like the ocean, not 'fishy'. If using frozen mussels, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels to prevent a watery sauce. Don't skip the mayonnaise; it prevents the butter from separating and creates a much creamier texture. For a spicy kick, add a dash of Sriracha or finely chopped siling labuyo (bird's eye chili) to the butter mixture. If the shells are wobbly on the tray, create small 'nests' out of crumpled foil or a bed of rock salt to keep them upright.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot as a 'pulutan' (appetizer) alongside ice-cold lager or a crisp white wine. Pair with a side of warm garlic bread to soak up any escaped garlic butter. Serve as a main course over a bed of steaming hot Sinangag (Filipino Garlic Fried Rice). A side of fresh Ensaladang Mangga (Green Mango Salad) provides a perfect acidic contrast to the rich cheese. Provide lemon wedges or calamansi on the side for a bright, citrusy squeeze right before eating.