Baked Talaba Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on April 16, 2023, | Last modified on November 24, 2023
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Baked Talaba is a classic Filipino dish that’s popular for its aromatic flavor and succulent texture. A combination of butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over baked talaba makes this recipe irresistible.

The star ingredient in this delicious meal is the Mediterranean mussels or “talaba”, which adds a sweet and salty flavor to the dish. This is an easy dish to make that requires minimal prep time and just 25 minutes in the oven for a delicious meal.

baked talaba recipe

What Is Baked Talaba?

It is a classic Filipino seafood dish that is a combination of butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice over baked talaba. Besides these, there are no additional ingredients required. This dish is popular for its rich and flavorful taste that comes from the butter and garlic combination, as well as its succulent texture.

Also, this dish can be served as is or with a side of rice. Besides this, it also makes for a great appetizer or a light dinner. Make sure to serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra zestiness.

Where Did I First Try Baked Talaba?

I had my first taste of this delicious dish at a restaurant in Manila, Philippines. It was served as an appetizer and I was blown away by the flavor and texture of the talaba. 

The garlic, butter and Parmesan combination was the perfect complement to the mussels. It was so good that I just had to recreate it at home! And now, it’s one of my family’s go-to recipes for a quick and delicious meal.

Besides being a delicious and easy dish to make, Baked Talaba is also a great way to introduce seafood into your family’s meals. The flavors are simple yet flavorful, which makes it perfect for even the pickiest eaters.

So next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, try out this recipe! Also, if you want to add a bit more flavor, try adding some minced garlic or extra Parmesan cheese for an even tastier dish.

You can also checkout the following dinner Recipe :
baked talaba recipe pin

Ingredients

Butter Melted: Butter is the key ingredient in this recipe for baking talaba. It adds flavor and richness to the dish, helping it have a delicious crunch on the outside that’s still soft and succulent inside.

Garlic: For extra flavor, add some minced garlic to your melted butter mixture. Garlic is an essential ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes and works wonderfully with seafood.

Ground Black Pepper: Just a pinch of ground black pepper adds a nice kick to the meal. If you want your talaba to be spicier, feel free to add more.

Fresh Parsley: Parsley is an aromatic herb that gives this dish its classic Mediterranean flavor. Chop some up fresh before adding it to the butter mixture.

Talaba: Talaba, also known as Mediterranean mussels, are the star of this dish. Make sure they’re fresh and shelled before you start cooking.

Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty flavor to the dish and helps give it an extra crunch.

Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish adds an acidic, zesty note that complements the Parmesan cheese and butter nicely.

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and ground black pepper to the melted butter, stirring until fragrant. Add the chopped parsley and stir until combined.

Step 3

Place the shelled talaba onto a baking tray and pour the butter mixture over them. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of the talaba.

Step 4

Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish and serve.

Cooking Tips

• To ensure your talaba are properly cooked, make sure they open easily. If they don’t, bake them for a few minutes longer.

• To get the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.

• To add even more flavor to your dish, try adding some chopped Kalamata olives or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the butter mixture.

What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?

• If you don’t have fresh Parmesan cheese, you can use pre-grated Parmesan cheese, but it won’t have as strong of a flavor.

• If you don’t have butter, you can use olive oil instead. It will give the talaba a lighter flavor but still be delicious.

• You can also substitute other types of seafood for the talaba, such as shrimp or calamari. However, keep in mind that they may require different cooking times than the talaba.

baked talaba recipe

Baked Talaba Recipe

Baked Talaba is a classic Filipino dish that’s popular for its aromatic flavor and succulent texture. A combination of butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over baked talaba makes this recipe irresistible.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 176kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Oven
  • large skillet
  • Baking Tray

Ingredients

  • TT To Taste fresh parsley, chopped, sprinkled on top as a garnish, adding a fresh and herbaceous note that elevates the visual appeal and adds a burst of herbal fragrance.
  • 1 cup of Parmesan cheese grated, creating a rich and cheesy topping that melts into a golden and crispy crust, adding a nutty and savory note that enhances the dish’s overall richness.
  • 1/4 cup of butter melted, creating a rich and velvety base for the dish, infusing it with a luxurious and buttery flavor.
  • TT lemon wedges served on the side, providing a tangy and citrusy element that adds a refreshing and bright flavor to the dish, balancing the richness of the oysters and adding a hint of acidity.
  • 2.25 lbs. of fresh talaba oysters, shelled, offering succulent and briny morsels of seafood, adding a delightful oceanic flavor and a delicate and tender texture.
  • 3-4 cloves of garlic minced, adding a pungent and aromatic kick to the dish, enhancing its savory profile and providing a delightful garlicky essence.
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper adding a subtle and peppery heat that enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a hint of spiciness.

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and ground black pepper to the melted butter, stirring until fragrant. Add the chopped parsley and stir until combined.
  • Place the shelled talaba onto a baking tray and pour the butter mixture over them. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of the talaba.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish and serve.

Notes

• To ensure your talaba are properly cooked, make sure they open easily. If they don’t, bake them for a few minutes longer.
• To get the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
• To add even more flavor to your dish, try adding some chopped Kalamata olives or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the butter mixture.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
• If you don’t have fresh Parmesan cheese, you can use pre-grated Parmesan cheese, but it won’t have as strong of a flavor.
• If you don’t have butter, you can use olive oil instead. It will give the talaba a lighter flavor but still be delicious.
• You can also substitute other types of seafood for the talaba, such as shrimp or calamari. However, keep in mind that they may require different cooking times than the talaba.
Keyword: Baked Talaba, Baked Talaba Recipe

Nutrition Information

One serving of Baked Talaba is approximately 150 calories. It contains 5 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of carbohydrates.

How to Store Leftover Baked Talaba?

Leftover baked talaba can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before eating. Also, make sure to discard any uneaten talaba that were not cooked properly or have been sitting out for too long.

FAQs

Can pregnant women eat this?

It is best for pregnant women to avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood, including talaba. You can enjoy this dish if it’s cooked thoroughly and eaten right away.

Can I make the butter mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the butter mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before using.

What other types of seafood can I use?

You can substitute other types of seafood for the talaba, such as shrimp or calamari. However, keep in mind that they may require different cooking times than the talaba.

Is this dish vegan?

This dish is not vegan as it contains dairy (butter) and Parmesan cheese. To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and omit the cheese. You can also add more vegetables or herbs for extra flavor.

Wrapping Up

With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a delicious and satisfying baked talaba dish on your table in no time. The Parmesan cheese and butter add a lovely flavor, while the lemon wedge adds an acidic zest that really brings out all the flavors of the dish. Serve it with some crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.

The Parmesan cheese and butter add a lovely flavor, while the lemon wedge adds an acidic zest that really brings out all the flavors of the dish. Serve it with some crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal. Please share this recipe with your family and friends, they’ll love it! Thank you.

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Lori-Walker

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more

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