The best way to cook muscles is through steaming- but some preparation needs to be taken. First, clean the muscles by running them under cool water. Mussels have dirt and other debris that need to be removed for food safety and also to avoid a gritty texture. Farmed mussels sometimes have ropes, which may look like hair. Make broth- while you can cook them in water, mussels are more flavorful in a cream-based or white wine broth. Once the broth is boiling, place the mussels inside. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then rotate and cook for an additional two to five minutes. You’ll know your mussels are cooked when their shells open.