Steamed Clams with White Wine, Garlic and Butter
Garlicky, buttery, steamed clams with white wine, shallot, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Serve with a crusty baguette or grilled sourdough bread!
Servings: 2
Calories: 488kcal
Ingredients
- 2 lbs small clams manilla, steamers, littlenecks
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 4 large cloves garlic
- 1 c dry white wine
- 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 crusty bread; baguette or country loaf for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large bowl with cool tap water and place the clams in it. Let them soak for 20 minutes during which they’ll expel any sand and grit.
- In a large pot (that has a lid), melt half the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot, sauté until fragrant about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the white wine, bring to a boil. Next, add the clams and remaining butter. Cover and steam until the clams have opened (about 7-10 minutes).
- Squeeze half a lemon over the steamed clams and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Serve with warm, toasted bread.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions:
What type of clams can I use for this recipe? Smaller clams tend to be better for steaming. Look for manilla, littlenecks, cherrystone, or steamers.
How long should you steam clams? You should steam clams until they are fully open and not a minute longer. The time this takes will vary depending on the size of your clams. This could take 5-10 minutes.
What type of wine should you use? Use a dry white wine. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, etc.
How do you make the clams tender? The number one way to achieve tender, juicy, not-tough clams is to not overcook them.
Should you soak the clams before cooking? Soaking the clams, or "purging" them helps get rid of some of the sand or grit they may be holding onto. Soak them in cold water for 20 minutes and the clams will spit out the sand trapped in their shells.
Can you use canned clams? Not for this recipe. If you want to make linguine with clam sauce canned clams are just fine for that. Should I share a linguini with clams recipe?
How long should you steam clams? You should steam clams until they are fully open and not a minute longer. The time this takes will vary depending on the size of your clams. This could take 5-10 minutes.
What type of wine should you use? Use a dry white wine. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, etc.
How do you make the clams tender? The number one way to achieve tender, juicy, not-tough clams is to not overcook them.
Should you soak the clams before cooking? Soaking the clams, or "purging" them helps get rid of some of the sand or grit they may be holding onto. Soak them in cold water for 20 minutes and the clams will spit out the sand trapped in their shells.
Can you use canned clams? Not for this recipe. If you want to make linguine with clam sauce canned clams are just fine for that. Should I share a linguini with clams recipe?
Nutrition
Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 722mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1269IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg