Sake-steamed Mussels

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh mussels
• 11/2 cups sake or dry white wine
• 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 shallot, sliced into very thin rings
• 1 handful fresh basil leaves
• salt

Instructions

1. Scrub the mussels under cool water, discarding any with broken or cracked shells.
2. Heat a large sauté pan, deep soup pot, or wok over high heat with the sake, ginger, garlic, and shallots. When the mixture comes to a boil, add the mussels and cover. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the mussels open.
3. Toss in the basil and serve immediately.