If you’re a seafood lover, you know that there’s nothing quite like a plate of freshly steamed clams. The tender flesh, the briny flavor, and the versatility – it’s no wonder why clams are a staple in many coastal cuisines around the world. But what makes steaming such an excellent way to prepare clams? For starters, it preserves their delicate flavor and texture without overpowering them with heavy sauces or cooking methods. And with the right seasonings and aromatics, you can elevate your steamed clams game to new heights.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 different recipes for steamed clams that showcase a range of flavors and cuisines from around the world. From classic New England-inspired dishes to bold and spicy options, there’s something on this list for every palate and preference.
Garlic Butter Steamed Clams
This recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare steamed clams with the richness of garlic and butter. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds fresh clams, scrubbed clean
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer basket over boiling water.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
3. Add the clams to the steamer basket, leaving some space between each clam.
4. Place the garlic butter mixture on top of the clams, spreading it evenly.
5. Cover the steamer with a lid and steam for 8-10 minutes or until the clams are opened and tender.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side (if desired). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
White Wine and Herb Steamed Clams
A flavorful and elegant seafood dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This recipe showcases the natural sweetness of clams, balanced by the tanginess of white wine and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds fresh cherrystone or littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/4 cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine clams, white wine, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and thyme.
3. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and steam for 4-6 minutes, or until the clams are open.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Spicy Thai Coconut Steamed Clams
Add a touch of Thailand to your seafood dinner with this flavorful and aromatic dish. Succulent clams are steamed to perfection in a spicy coconut broth, infused with the warmth of lemongrass and galangal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
– 1 piece galangal, sliced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat steamer basket over boiling water.
2. In a large saucepan, combine coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add clams and steam for 5-7 minutes or until they open.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Garlic Steamed Clams with Parsley
This bright and flavorful recipe brings together the sweetness of clams, the pungency of garlic, and the freshness of parsley, all perfectly balanced by a squeeze of lemon juice. A simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the clams under cold water, scrubbing off any grit or sand.
2. In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, combine the clams, garlic, lemon juice, white wine (if using), and parsley.
3. Steam over boiling water until the clams are open, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the pot from the heat, season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Classic New England Steamed Clams
This iconic dish is a staple of coastal cuisine, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal or as an appetizer for your next gathering. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll be enjoying tender and delicious clams in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds cherrystone or littleneck clams, scrubbed clean
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steam basket or a large pot with a steamer insert over boiling water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the clams, butter, white wine (if using), lemon juice, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Place the clam mixture in the prepared steam basket or pot.
5. Cover and steam for 10-12 minutes, or until the clams are tender and open.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tomato Basil Steamed Clams
This recipe brings together the sweetness of tomatoes, the brightness of basil, and the brininess of clams for a delightful and easy-to-make seafood dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds steamable clams (cherry stone or littleneck)
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– White wine and lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse clams under cold water, scrubbing off any grit.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
3. Add diced tomato and cook until they start to release their juices (2-3 minutes).
4. Add chopped basil and stir to combine.
5. Place clams on top of the tomato mixture and cover pot with a lid.
6. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until clams are open and tender.
7. Serve with crusty bread, white wine, and lemon wedges (if desired).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sake and Ginger Steamed Clams
Discover the harmonious balance of flavors in this Japanese-inspired dish, where tender clams are infused with the warmth of sake and the spiciness of ginger.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/4 cup sake
– 2 inches piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the steamer basket in a large pot with 2 inches of water.
2. In a small bowl, combine sake, ginger, and garlic.
3. Place the clams in a heatproof dish that fits into the steamer basket.
4. Pour the sake mixture over the clams, then dot with butter.
5. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until the clams are open and tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Chorizo and White Bean Steamed Clams
This recipe combines the brininess of fresh clams with the smoky heat of chorizo and creamy sweetness of white beans, all steamed to perfection. Perfect for a quick and flavorful seafood dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 dozen fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 lb chorizo sausage, sliced
– 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large pot or steamer with a tight-fitting lid over high heat.
2. Add the chorizo slices and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, white beans, and clams to the pot. Pour in the white wine (if using).
4. Cover the pot and steam for 6-8 minutes or until the clams open.
5. Remove from heat and stir in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Cilantro Lime Steamed Clams
This recipe combines the simplicity of steaming clams with the brightness of cilantro and lime, perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds clams (such as cherrystone or littleneck)
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Rinse the clams under cold water and scrub them clean.
2. In a large pot, combine white wine, water, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the clams to the pot and cover with a lid.
4. Steam over high heat for 5-7 minutes or until the clams open.
5. Remove the clams from the pot and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Beer and Old Bay Steamed Clams
A classic seafood recipe gets a refreshing twist with the addition of beer and Old Bay seasoning. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 dozen cherrystone clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/4 cup beer (any type you prefer)
– 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large pot with a tight-fitting lid over high heat.
2. Add the clams, beer, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and lemon slices.
3. Cover the pot and steam for 4-6 minutes or until the clams open.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Miso and Scallion Steamed Clams
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the brininess of clams with the savory umami of miso. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the steamer basket with boiling water.
2. In a small saucepan, combine miso paste, butter, scallions, and garlic. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add clams to the saucepan and toss to coat with the miso mixture.
4. Steam clams for 5-7 minutes or until they open.
5. If using white wine, add it to the steamer basket during the last minute of cooking.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Garlic Chili Oil Steamed Clams
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. This dish is sure to impress with its rich garlic and chili oil flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds clams (cherrystone or littleneck work well)
– 1/4 cup garlic chili oil (see note)
– 2 tablespoons white wine
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer basket over boiling water.
2. In a large bowl, combine clams, garlic chili oil, white wine, lemon juice, and salt. Toss to coat the clams evenly.
3. Place the clam mixture in the steamer basket, leaving some space between each clam.
4. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until the clams are open and tender.
5. Serve immediately with chopped parsley on top (if desired).
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Pesto and Cherry Tomato Steamed Clams
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple yet impressive dish featuring steamed clams infused with pesto and cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds steamed clams, scrubbed clean
• 1/4 cup freshly made pesto
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons white wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the clams under cold water, then steam them according to package instructions until they open.
2. In a large skillet, combine the pesto and cherry tomatoes. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until the flavors meld together.
3. Add the steamed clams to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the pesto-tomato mixture.
4. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemongrass and Coconut Milk Steamed Clams
This fragrant and flavorful dish combines the sweetness of coconut milk with the brightness of lemongrass, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the humble clam to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds clams, scrubbed clean
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large saucepan, combine clams, lemongrass, coconut milk, butter, and garlic.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover the saucepan with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
5. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until the clams are open and tender.
6. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Bacon and Corn Steamed Clams
This recipe combines the sweetness of corn with the smokiness of bacon to create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 dozen cherrystone or littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 ear of corn, husked and silked
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer basket over boiling water.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the corn and garlic to the same skillet and cook for 5 minutes, or until the corn is slightly tender.
4. Add the clams, white wine (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Place the steamer basket over the skillet and cover with a lid.
6. Steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the clams are open and cooked through.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with crispy bacon pieces.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shallot and Thyme Steamed Clams
Experience the simplicity and elegance of this Mediterranean-inspired dish, where tender clams are elevated by the sweetness of shallots and the earthiness of thyme. This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful seafood dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds clams, scrubbed clean
– 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer basket over boiling water.
2. In a separate pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the thyme sprigs to the pot and stir to combine with the shallots.
4. Place the clams in the steamer basket and pour the shallot-thyme mixture evenly over them.
5. Cover the pot and steam for 6-8 minutes, or until the clams open.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Harissa and Lemon Steamed Clams
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful recipe that combines the brininess of clams with the heat of harissa and the brightness of lemon. This dish is perfect for a quick and impressive dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/4 cup harissa
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a steamer basket over boiling water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together harissa, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
3. Add the clams to the bowl and toss to coat with the harissa mixture.
4. Steam the clams for 5-7 minutes or until they open.
5. Remove the clams from the steamer and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Clams Steamed in Fennel and Orange Broth
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and refreshing recipe that combines the sweetness of orange with the anise-like flavor of fennel.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 4 bulbs of fennel, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cups water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the clams under cold running water.
2. In a large pot or steamer, combine fennel slices, orange segments, and 2 cups of water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the clams on top of the fennel mixture and cover the pot or steamer.
6. Steam the clams for 3-5 minutes or until they open.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional orange segments and fennel fronds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the brininess of seafood with these 18 mouth-watering steamed clams recipes! From classic New England-style to spicy Thai-inspired flavors, there’s something for every palate. Try Garlic Butter Steamed Clams for a rich and buttery taste, or White Wine and Herb Steamed Clams for a lighter, refreshing twist. Spice things up with Spicy Thai Coconut Steamed Clams or add some Mediterranean flair with Pesto and Cherry Tomato Steamed Clams. With ingredients ranging from chorizo to lemongrass, these recipes are sure to delight seafood lovers.
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