Steaming Razor Clams: How Long Until They're Done?

Razor clams are a type of long, thin clam named for their distinct shape that resembles a straight razor. They are typically steamed in a flavoured liquid, such as wine, and paired with vegetables or aromats. The cooking time for steamed razor clams is between 2 and 4 minutes, and they are cooked when their shells have fully opened. It is important not to overcook razor clams, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Cleaning razor clams

Step 1: Pre-cleaning

As soon as you have dug up your razor clams, put them in cool, fresh water. This will allow them to pump most of the sand out of their systems.

Step 2: Remove the clams from the shell

Place the clams in a colander in the sink. Pour boiling water over them, then immediately put them in cold water. Use your fingers to pull the clam body from the shell.

Alternatively, cut the four muscle attachments of the paired adductor muscles by running a sharp knife along the inner surface of each shell.

Step 3: Remove the siphon, gills and digestive tract

Snip off the tough part of the neck just below the valve. Use scissors to cut upward toward the end of the neck. Remove the dark parts of the clam—the gills, palps (mouth parts), and the crystalline style (a clear rod in the digger that is used as a digestive enzyme).

Step 4: Prepare the digger

Make a circular cut to remove the stomach. Slit the digger so that it will lie flat. Pick out the small intestine that runs through the foot. Remove any remaining dark material under running water. Be careful not to remove too much of the fatty material found within the digger.

Step 5: Rinse

Rinse the clams and they are now ready for cooking.

Cooking time

The cooking time for steamed razor clams is relatively short. Most sources recommend steaming razor clams for 2-4 minutes, with an upper limit of around 15 minutes. This is because razor clams can become tough and overcooked if cooked for too long.

One source recommends steaming razor clams for about four minutes, serving them with melted butter, and noting that this is longer than necessary. Another source recommends steaming for 2-3 minutes until the clams fully open, and to be careful not to overcook the clams as their meat will become tough and rubbery.

A third source recommends steaming for 2-4 minutes, or until the clams have fully opened, and to serve immediately. This source also suggests that wine, vegetables, and/or aromats can be added to the pan while steaming to infuse flavour into the clams.

It is also important to properly clean and prepare razor clams before cooking. This includes checking that the clams are alive and closed, cleaning them in salted water to remove any residual sand, and checking the shells for any damage.

What to serve with razor clams

Razor clams are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Steamed Razor Clams

One of the simplest and quickest ways to cook razor clams is by steaming them. This method ensures a tender and gently flavoured result. To steam razor clams, bring 100ml of water to a boil in a pan, add the clams, cover, and cook for 2-4 minutes until they have fully opened. You can then serve them whole or sliced into small pieces, and don't forget to reserve the cooking liquor for added flavour in sauces. To infuse more flavour into your steamed clams, you can add wine, vegetables, and/or aromats to the pan while steaming.

Pasta Dishes

You can create delicious pasta dishes with razor clams as the star ingredient. For example, you can make a creamy white wine sauce with mushrooms, red peppers, and red onions, and serve it over angel hair spaghetti or your preferred type of pasta. Alternatively, you can try a recipe for pasta with razor clams and mushrooms, combining the flavours of garlic, oregano, white wine, and Parmesan cheese.

Fried Razor Clams

For a classic preparation, you can fry razor clams. After steaming and shucking the clams, coat them in a flour mixture and fry in small batches until golden brown. Serve these crispy treats with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, or even ketchup for a unique twist.

Razor Clam Spaghetti with Wine Sauce

This is a popular recipe that combines the flavours of fresh Pacific razor clams, red peppers, mushrooms, and red onion in a creamy white wine sauce, served over angel hair spaghetti. It's a delicious way to showcase the sweetness of properly cooked razor clams.

Other Creative Pairings

There are also some unique and creative ways to serve razor clams. For a refreshing salad, try a recipe for Mediterranean Razor Clam Ceviche. Or, for an unexpected twist, how about a slice of Garlic Razor Clam Pizza? If you're feeling adventurous, you could even experiment with making your own razor clam sushi rolls or sliders.

No matter which recipe you choose, remember that the key to delicious razor clams is to not overcook them, as this will result in tough and rubbery meat. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and creating your own unique razor clam dishes!

How to tenderize razor clams

Razor clams are a seafood that can be succulent and tender or, if overcooked, like industrial-strength rubber bands. Here are some tips on how to tenderize them.

Firstly, make sure your clams are alive before tenderizing or cooking. If dug from the shore, they should be cleaned first by soaking in brine overnight. Discard any that remain closed after blanching or that do not close tightly when tapped with a knife.

To tenderize, you can use a meat mallet or hammer to physically break down the tough protein fibres. For long, straight razor clams, pay particular attention to the tougher meat of the siphon. Lay the clam strips between plastic wrap to avoid splattering, and use the smooth side of the mallet.

Alternatively, you can use a food processor to tenderize the clam meat, but this may result in the clam becoming mushy. Soaking the clam portions in papaya or pineapple juice is another option, as these fruits contain enzymes that are effective in tenderizing shellfish. However, again, be careful not to leave the clam in the juice for too long, as it can turn to mush. Buttermilk is also a good tenderizer and can be used to prepare the clam for dredging in breadcrumbs. Soak the clam meat in buttermilk for up to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chunks.

Finally, when cooking, be careful not to overcook the clams or they will become tough and rubbery. Steam or fry them for no more than a few minutes, until they have just opened or turned golden brown.

How to steam razor clams

Steaming razor clams is a great way to ensure a tender, gently-flavoured result. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam razor clams:

Step 1: Clean the Razor Clams

Before cooking, it is important to clean the razor clams properly. Put the clams in a container with salted ice water for about 30 minutes to purge any excess sand. Check the shells for any damage and discard any broken ones. If you see the white flesh sticking out, give them a quick tap and they should wriggle back inside. Give the clams a quick final rinse before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Clams for Steaming

Prepare the clams by checking that they are clean and alive. Bring 100ml of water to a boil in a hot pan.

Step 3: Steam the Clams

Add the clams to the pan and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Steam the clams for 2-4 minutes, or until they have fully opened. Be careful not to overcook the clams, as this will make their meat tough and rubbery.

Step 4: Strain the Cooking Liquor

Tip the contents of the pan into a colander set over a bowl and let the liquid strain through. Reserve the cooking liquor, which will be full of flavour, to add to a sauce later on.

Step 5: Prepare the Clams for Serving

Pull the clams from their shells, taking care as they may still be very hot. Begin by trimming off the rounded foot at the base of the clam, then cut out the black stomach, which contains sand and grit. The razor clams can now be served whole or sliced into small 1cm pieces. Serve immediately.

Tips for Adding Flavour

To infuse flavour into the steamed clams, add wine, vegetables, and/or aromats to the pan while steaming. Aromatic vegetables such as fennel bulb, leek, onion, garlic, and white wine can be used, or alternatively, try carrots, potato, celery, and onion with some water. It is best to sweat the vegetables before adding the razor clams to soften them and bring out their sweetness.

Frequently asked questions