*Updated on 5/5/2020*
Learn the simple process on 'How to Steam Clams'. From the cleaning process to the steaming process, this easy to follow step-by-step tutorial is all you need to create perfectly tender steamed clams.
Recipe Essentials
- A large bowl (possibly 2) or you can use your kitchen sink instead of a 2nd bowl. If you have a double bowl kitchen sink that's even better and is what I use.
- A clean chemical-free scrub brush (used for scrubbing the outer surface of the clams)
- Water (used for soaking)
- Salt (used to mimic salt water)
Recipe Ingredients
- Live Clams
Cajun Marinade
- Grape-seed oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Cayenne pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Pinch of salt
Clams are filter feeders. They do not have a head or mouth, so they feed on microscopic particles from the water which is pulled in through one of their siphons (a tube-like structure that is used for the exchange of liquid or air). As water passes through gills, particles become trapped. Clams also live buried under sand and mud and if not cleaned properly they will taste like sand and grit.
Before you begin steaming clams, you must first go through the process of thoroughly cleaning them. Although there are many videos on how to clean clams; I'll walk you through a simple process for getting perfectly cleaned clams.
Prepping live clams before steaming them can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Once you learn this simple process, you'll feel more confident in your ability to clean clams and make delicious recipes using fresh clams.
How to clean clams
Cleaning clams is the most important step before steaming them. This requires patience but is very simple to do. Here, I'll provide an overview; however, please refer to the recipe card below for more details.
This process will require 3 rounds of soaking your clams for 20 minutes to ensure that the sand is completely removed, so you're left with perfectly clean clams:
Using your finger, gently tap on any clams that are slightly opened to see if they will close. If they do not close, discard as those are most likely no longer alive.
Place clams into a large bowl, alternatively, if you have a double-bowl kitchen sink clean it and place the clams on one side leaving the other side empty for now.
Cover the clams with water and add a few tablespoons of salt (the salt is intended to mimic salt water). Using your hand, agitate the water by giving a big swirl.
Round 1 - Soak the clams for 20 minutes then remove the clams from the sink/bowl and place them on the other side of the double-bowl sink or into a different bowl. (TIP: Lift the clams out of the water using your hands and place them into a clean bowl, so you will not transfer the sand) . Empty the sink/bowl used for soaking and replace with fresh water and salt.
Round 2 - Repeat Round 1 by soaking for another 20 minutes in freshly made salt water and lifting them out again with your hands and place in the clean side of the sink/bowl.
Round 3 - Repeat Round 1 again but this time gently scrub the outer surface of the shell with a chemical-free scrub brush. Lift the clams out of and place in the clean side of the sink/bowl. Then, give a final rinse.
How to cook clams
After thoroughly cleaning your clams, now it's time to cook them. This is the fun part and requires literally a few minutes and minimal ingredients.
It's worth noting that you can cook clams in white wine or water either form of liquid will work. In this recipe, I use water.
- In a wide sauce pan, saute minced garlic until fragrant and cover the bottom surface of the saucepan with water or white wine
- Gently place clams in the saucepan into a single layer (do not overlap) which is why a wide saucepan is great for this
- Cover the saucepan and allow the clams to steam for 3 to 5 minutes (you'll hear the clams as they start to open)
- Remove any clams that didn't open and discard
- Remove the clams from the saucepan and place in a serving bowl and drizzle the Cajun marinade and fresh lime juice over the top of the exposed clams
- Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately
This easy 6 step process on how to cook clams with the most flavorful Cajun marinade is that simple and makes for the most tender and delicious clams.
Recipe Tips
- Clean clams thoroughly using the steps above before cooking them
- Use a chemical-free scrub brush to scrub away any dirt or debris that could be adhered to the outer surface of the shell
- When placing the clams in the saucepan, make sure clams are in a single layer and do not crowd the pan
- There is a possibility that every clam in your saucepan may not open after they have been steamed
If you're looking to take your steamed clams to the next level, you gotta add this Cajun inspired marinade to the mix. This flavorful blend is all you need to enhance the taste of this restaurant-worthy clam recipe.
You may also like these other seafood recipe:
White Wine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe ideas.
Thanks so much for visiting.
~Cree
How to Steam Clams
Ingredients
Steam Clams
- 5 lbs fresh clams
- 1/2 cup water or 1/2 cup white wine (the amount of the liquid will depend on the size of the saucepan)
Cajun Marinade
- 1/4 cup grape-seed oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp cayenne adjust the amount depending on your spice level
- 2 tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
How to clean clams
- Round 1- Check that all clams are closed. If clams aren't closed, gently tap on the shell with your finger to see if they close. If they do not close, discard. In large bowl or clean kitchen sink, fill with water. Add salt and agitate the water by giving a swirl. Gently place clams in salted water for 20 minutes. Remove clams with hands and place in an empty clean bowl or other side of the sink if you have a double-bowl kitchen sink. Pour dirty water out of 1st bowl or if using sink, drain water from sink and replace with clean water and salt.
- Round 2 - Repeat Round 1 by soaking clams for another 20 minutes in fresh salted water and lifting them out again with your hands and place in the clean side of the sink or bowl.
- Round 3 - Repeat Round 1 again but this time gently scrub the clam shells with a chemical-free scrub brush. Lift the clams out of the water and place into the clean side of the sink/bowl. Then, give a final rinse.
How to Steam Clams
- Over medium heat add grape-seed oil to saucepan. Add freshly minced garlic and saute until fragrant. Add water/wine to cover bottom of sauce pan. Add clams in a single layer. Cover with lid and steam clams for 3 to 5 minutes until clams open. Remove from heat and discard any unopened clams. Add clams to a serving dish and drizzle Cajun marinade and fresh lime juice over exposed clams and stir until all clams are coated.
- Garnish with cilantro (optional) and serve immediately.
Notes
- Clean clams thoroughly before steaming them
- Use a chemical-free scrub brush to scrub the outer surface of the shell from debris and dirt
- When adding clams to the saucepan, make sure clams are in a single layer and do not overcrowd the saucepan
- Do not add clams on top of each other as this will prevent the clams on the bottom from opening
- Do not overcook clams as they will taste rubbery
- You do not need much liquid in the saucepan to steam clams
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