Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Wine
Fresh littleneck clams steamed in a fragrant broth of white wine, garlic, and butter. This classic seaside dish is incredibly easy to make and perfect for serving with crusty bread to soak up every last drop. Ready in under 30 minutes!
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Purge and Clean the Clams
- b.Inspect your clams. Discard any with cracked or broken shells. If a clam is open, tap it gently; if it doesn't close, discard it as it is no longer live.
- c.Place the live clams in a large bowl and cover with cold, salted water (about 1 tbsp salt per quart of water). Let them sit for 30-60 minutes. This allows them to purge any internal sand.
- d.After soaking, lift the clams out of the water (leaving the sand at the bottom of the bowl) and scrub the outside of each shell with a stiff brush under cold running water.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.In a large pot or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- c.Add the sliced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Do not let it burn or it will become bitter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Deglaze and Steam the Clams
- b.Increase the heat to medium-high. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- c.Bring the wine to a vigorous simmer and let it cook for 2 minutes to allow some of the alcohol to evaporate.
- d.Carefully add the cleaned clams to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, then give everything a gentle stir to combine.
- e.Cover the pot tightly with the lid and let the clams steam for 5-8 minutes. Shake the pot gently once or twice during cooking to help them cook evenly.
- f.The clams are done when their shells have opened wide.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, immediately discard any clams that have not opened.
- c.Stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
- d.Ladle the clams and the broth into shallow bowls. Garnish with a little extra parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and plenty of crusty bread for dipping into the broth.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary to ensure all clams steam open evenly.
- 2Discarding unopened clams after cooking is a crucial food safety step as they were likely not alive before cooking.
- 3Use a dry, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Avoid sweet or heavily oaked wines.
- 4Serve immediately with plenty of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every drop of the briny, savory broth.
- 5For a richer broth, you can add a splash of heavy cream along with the parsley at the very end.
- 6If you suspect your clams are very sandy, you can add a couple of tablespoons of cornmeal to the soaking water to help them purge more effectively.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add a thinly sliced jalapeño or a pinch more red pepper flakes along with the garlic for extra heat.
With TomatoesWith Tomatoes
Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes or 1/2 cup of diced canned tomatoes to the pot along with the white wine for a touch of acidity and color.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Incorporate other fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon. Add a sprig of thyme with the garlic and stir in chopped tarragon with the parsley.
With SausageWith Sausage
For a heartier dish, brown some crumbled chorizo or Italian sausage in the pot before adding the garlic, then proceed with the recipe.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Clams are packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of iron, a mineral crucial for forming hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood, thus helping to prevent anemia and boost energy levels.
Boosts Brain Health
Clams are one of the best natural sources of Vitamin B12, which is vital for maintaining healthy nerve cells and supporting cognitive function.
Supports Heart Health
The omega-3 fatty acids found in clams, combined with the monounsaturated fats from olive oil, can help reduce inflammation and support overall cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this dish contains approximately 250-350 calories, primarily from the clams, butter, and oil. It's a relatively low-calorie yet satisfying appetizer or light meal.