# Mussels and clams cooking times

How long to cook mussels: **4–5 min steamed and 5–6 min on the barbecue**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/mussels-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook mussels

Times are for 1 kg mussels, for 2 as a main or 4 as a starter.

Mussels and clams: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) | 4–5 min | in a covered pan with a splash of wine or water over a high heat | Shake the pan halfway. |
| [Barbecue](https://feastflow.co.uk/bbq-cooking-times) | 5–6 min | over hot direct heat | In a foil tray or straight on the bars until they open. |

## Before you start

Scrub and pull off the beards. Throw away any with broken shells, or that are open and don’t close when tapped.

## How to tell it’s done

The shells have opened. Throw away any that stay closed.

## Questions

### How long to steam mussels?

4–5 min in a covered pan with a splash of wine or water over a high heat. Shake the pan halfway.

### How long to barbecue mussels?

5–6 min over hot direct heat. In a foil tray or straight on the bars until they open.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/