Imagine a dish that captures the essence of Thailand in just one bite - fragrant lemongrass, zesty lime, and fresh clams dancing together in a symphony of flavors. This Steamed Clams with Thai Basil and Lemongrass recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a vibrant Thai street market. Get ready to impress your guests and tantalize your senses with this incredibly simple yet sophisticated seafood sensation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 kg clams, cleaned
- 2 stalks lemongrass, chopped
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the clams by thoroughly washing them under cold running water. Discard any clams with broken shells or that do not close when tapped.
- Trim the lemongrass stalks, removing the tough outer layers. Finely chop the tender inner white part of the stalks.
- Mince the garlic cloves into fine, uniform pieces.
- In a large wide pot or wok with a tight-fitting lid, combine chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice.
- Heat the mixture over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes to release the aromatic flavors of lemongrass and garlic.
- Add the cleaned clams to the pot in a single layer, ensuring maximum contact with the aromatic base.
- Cover the pot with a tight lid and steam the clams for 5-7 minutes, or until the shells open completely.
- Gently shake the pot occasionally to ensure even cooking and heat distribution.
- Remove from heat when all clams have opened. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking.
- Sprinkle fresh Thai basil leaves over the steamed clams just before serving.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with the fragrant cooking liquid.
Tips
- Clam Freshness is Key: Always choose live, fresh clams and clean them thoroughly before cooking. Tap any open clams - if they don't close, discard them.
- Lemongrass Technique: Use only the tender white part of the lemongrass stalk for the most intense flavor. Finely chop to release maximum aromatics.
- Don't Overcook: Steaming clams takes just 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat as soon as shells open to prevent rubbery texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious cooking liquid, or over steamed jasmine rice.
- Customize Your Spice: Add a chopped red chili or a dash of sriracha for extra heat if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 60mg
