Easy Steamed Clams

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steamed clams in serving dish
Photo by Tom Ipri is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0

Quick and simple to prepare, steamed clams are an easy, yet impressive dish to serve as an appetizer or main course. Requiring just a few ingredients, and little cook time, you can have a delicious meal in minutes. 

To begin any clam preparation, make sure your clams are cleaned. To do so, begin by sorting through your clams. Discard clams with large chips or cracks in the shell, or those that are already open. Next, place the remaining clams in a bowl of cool water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the clams from the water and scrub the shells for any extra debris. Once completed, you can get cooking! 

To steam clams you only need the following ingredients: 

  • 1 lb. Of clams
  • 1 Tbsp. Butter
  • 1/4 cup of white wine
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for serving) 
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Follow the steps below to prepare: 

  1. Begin by placing a large pot on the stove over medium heat. 
  2. Add butter to the pot and let melt – being careful not to let it burn. 
  3. Once the butter is melted, add the white wine and bring to a simmer. 
  4. Next, carefully add clams and cover the pot. 
  5. Let the clams steam for 5-10 minutes. (Cook time will vary depending on the size of the clams). 
  6. While the clams are steaming, shake the pot occasionally to allow each clam space to open up. 
  7. Once the clams have opened, remove from heat and serve. 
  8. Discard any clams that have not opened during cooking. 
  9. If desired, finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy! 

Easy but delicious, this recipe is perfect to feed a crowd for a simple, yet remarkable meal. For more recipes like this, browse our Seafood University today! 

steamed clams in serving dish

Steamed Clams

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb clams
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • fresh parsley (optional, for serving)
  • lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing a large pot on the stove over medium heat
  • Add butter to the pot and let melt - being careful not to let it burn
  • Once the butter is melted, add the white wine and bring to a simmer
  • Next, carefully add clams and cover the pot
  • Let the clams steam for 5-10 minutes. (Cook time will vary depending on the size of the clams)
  • While the clams are steaming, shake the pot occasionally to allow each clam space to open up
  • Once the clams have opened, remove from heat and serve
  • Discard any clams that have not opened during cooking
  • If desired, finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!

Notes

*Photo by Tom Ipri is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0