Mejillones al Guajillo (Mussels in Guajillo Tomato Broth)
Plump steamed mussels in a smoky tomato and guajillo broth, with crisp tostadas to scoop up every drop.
Made with Guajillo adobo paste and Tostadas and totopos (tortilla chips). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £4.88 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Check the mussels. Discard any with cracked shells or any open ones that do not close when tapped firmly on the worktop.
- 2
Heat the oil in a large wide pan with a lid over a medium heat and fry the onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6 min - 3
Stir in your ready made guajillo adobo paste (see the base recipe) and fry for 1 to 2 minutes, then add the tomatoes and wine. Simmer for 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
8 min - 4
Turn the heat to high, add the mussels, cover tightly and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the pan halfway, until the shells have opened.
5 min - 5
Discard any mussels that stay shut. Stir in the coriander.
- 6
Serve in warm bowls with lime wedges and your ready made tostadas (see the base recipe) for scooping.
Tips
- Make the broth before adding the mussels. They only need a few minutes to open, and overcooking makes them rubbery.
- Never cook mussels that were already dead: throw away open ones that do not close when tapped.
- Beer can replace the wine but check it is a gluten free beer or leave it out and use water.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten fresh. Do not keep leftover cooked mussels for more than 1 day in the fridge, and reheat only once, until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
How do I clean and prepare mussels?
Rinse under cold water, scrub off any dirt and pull away the stringy beard. Discard any that are cracked or stay open after tapping.
Can I make it without wine?
Yes. Replace with 150 ml water or a gluten free vegetable stock made with a gluten free stock cube. The adobo gives plenty of flavour.
Is this dish gluten free?
Yes, if you use pure corn tostadas. The broth has no gluten, dairy or egg.
More made with guajillo adobo paste
Quesadillas de Calabaza al Adobo (Adobo Squash Quesadillas)
EFNFVCostillas de Res al Guajillo con Frijoles Refritos (Guajillo Braised Beef Short Ribs)
DFEFNFArroz con Camarones al Guajillo (Guajillo Prawn Rice)
DFEFNFTacos de Coliflor Adobada (Adobo Cauliflower Tacos)
GFDFEFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.