Imagine a dish that transports you straight to a coastal restaurant, where the aroma of garlic, butter, and fresh seafood fills the air. These Steamed Clams in Garlic Butter Sauce are not just a meal; they're a culinary experience that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. With just a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes of your time, you'll create a restaurant-quality appetizer or main course that will impress even the most discerning seafood lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh clams, scrubbed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the fresh clams under cold running water, scrubbing each clam to remove any sand or debris. Discard any clams with cracked shells or that do not close when tapped.
- In a large, wide skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to foam and become fragrant.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour the white wine into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes, which will help concentrate the flavors.
- Carefully add the cleaned clams to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring each clam is in contact with the liquid.
- Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and steam the clams over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, or until all clams have opened completely.
- Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking, as they are not safe to eat.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the clams just before serving.
- Serve immediately in shallow bowls, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the clams. Provide crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Clam Freshness is Key: Always purchase clams from a reputable seafood market and ensure they are fresh. Live clams should have tightly closed shells or close when tapped.
- Cleaning is Crucial: Thoroughly rinse clams under cold water and scrub their shells to remove any sand or debris. This prevents gritty texture in your final dish.
- Don't Overcook: Steam clams just until they open (5-7 minutes). Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
- Wine Selection Matters: Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor profile.
- Serve Immediately: These clams are best enjoyed hot, right after cooking. The sauce is at its most flavorful and the clams are most tender.
- Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 248kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 20g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
