Grilled Mussels With Cracked Black Pepper

1. 1

   Scrub the mussels, rinse in several changes of water and trim the beards, if any.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet (cast iron is best) over high heat -- a DRY skillet.

3. 3

   When the skillet is very hot, put all of the mussels into it and shake the pan.

4. 4

   The mussels will begin to open immediately.

5. 5

   It will sound almost like popcorn.

6. 6

   This is the mussels opening up and releasing there juices into the hot pan.

7. 7

   Continue shaking the pan until all the mussels have opened.

8. 8

   This should not take any more than 5 min at the most.

9. 9

   They cook quickly and you don't want to overcook them.

10. 10

    Remove from the heat and season GENEROUSLY with black pepper.

11. 11

    Transfer the mussels in the skillet to a table or spoon the mussels into individual bowls.

12. 12

    Serve immediately.

No additional tips available.