The Best Way To Clean Steamer Clams Before Cooking

Steamer clams are a delicious treat, but cleaning them before cooking is essential to ensure a grit-free dining experience. While it may seem like a lot of work, the process is straightforward and will significantly improve your culinary creations. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving clean and tasty steamer clams.

Rinse the shells under cold running water

Rinsing the shells of steamer clams under cold running water is an essential step in the cleaning process. This step helps to remove any surface dirt, sand, or grit that may be present on the shells. It is important to use cold water as hot or warm water can kill the clams.

When rinsing the shells, it is recommended to use a stiff brush to gently scrub the shells. This will help to dislodge any debris or barnacles that may be attached to the shells. Alternatively, you can use a paper towel to scrub the shells, especially if they have small crevices that need to be cleaned. Make sure to scrub each clam individually, as this step is time-consuming but worth it to ensure there is no grit left on the shells.

After scrubbing the shells, it is important to rinse the clams once more with clean water from the tap to ensure that any remaining sand or grit is washed away before cooking.

Scrub the shells with a brush or paper towel

To clean steamer clams before cooking, it is important to scrub the shells with a brush or paper towel. This removes any surface dirt, debris, or barnacles that may be attached to the shells. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your workspace by gathering the necessary tools and materials, such as a sink or large bowl, cold running water, and a stiff brush or paper towels.
• Rinse the clams under cold running water to remove any initial surface dirt and debris.
• If using a brush, select one with stiff, yet soft bristles to avoid damaging the shells. Gently scrub the outside of each clam shell to dislodge any attached particles. Pay close attention to the crevices and gaps in the shell, as dirt and debris can become lodged in these areas.
• Alternatively, if using paper towels, choose thick, high-quality paper towels that can withstand moisture without tearing easily. Bunch up the paper towel and scrub it along the outside of the clam shells, applying enough pressure to dislodge any dirt or debris.
• As you scrub, take the time to inspect each clam for any cracks or breaks in the shell. Clams with damaged shells may have been exposed to bacteria and could be unsafe for consumption.
• After scrubbing, rinse the clams once more under cold running water to ensure that any loose particles or debris are washed away.

By following these steps and taking the time to thoroughly scrub the shells, you can effectively clean steamer clams and reduce the risk of consuming unwanted dirt or grit.

Soak the clams in saltwater

Soaking clams in saltwater is an essential step in the cleaning process, helping to remove any dirt, sand, or grit from their shells and insides. It is important to use cold water, as warm or hot water can kill the clams.

To make a saltwater solution, fill a large bowl with cold water and add salt. The amount of salt required can vary; some sources recommend 1-2 tablespoons of kosher salt per 4-5 cups of water, while others suggest a ratio of 1/4 cup of salt per quart of water, or 1/3 cup of salt per gallon of water. It is important to stir or whisk the solution to ensure the salt is fully dissolved.

Once you have prepared your saltwater solution, place the clams in the bowl and ensure they are fully submerged. Leave the clams to soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. During this time, the clams will expel any sand or grit from their shells and stomachs.

After soaking, remove the clams from the saltwater and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to wash away any remaining sand or grit.

It is worth noting that some sources recommend repeating the purging process at least once to ensure the clams are fully cleaned. Additionally, if you have dug the clams yourself, you may need to soak them for longer or repeat the process multiple times to fully remove any sand and grit.

Rinse the clams again after saltwater soak

Rinsing the clams a final time after the saltwater soak is an important step in ensuring your clams are grit-free. The saltwater soak will have encouraged the clams to purge any remaining sand or grit from their shells, and giving them a final rinse will wash away any lingering debris.

Use cold running water for the final rinse. You can use a brush or a stiff paper towel to gently scrub the outsides of the shells under the water. Pay attention to any crevices on the outside of the shells, as these areas can harbour dirt.

Once you've given the clams a final rinse, they're ready to be cooked. You can steam them using a steamer basket for just a few minutes, until their shells open. When the shells are fully open, the clams are done. Enjoy!

Check clams are alive before cooking

It is important to check that your clams are alive before cooking. Dead clams can be dangerous to eat and will not taste good.

Firstly, inspect the clams. Live clams will have tightly closed shells, or shells that are slightly open. Dead clams will have their shells wide open. If you see any clams with wide-open shells, discard them.

Next, you can try gently tapping the shell of a clam with your finger or a utensil. If the clam is alive, it will respond by closing its shell. This is a good indication that the clam is healthy.

You should also check the shells for any cracks or chips. Clams with broken shells are more likely to be dead or in poor condition. Avoid using these clams as they may have been exposed to bacteria.

Another way to check if a clam is alive is to use your sense of smell. A live clam should smell fresh and briny, like the ocean. If a clam has a strong, unpleasant odour, it is likely dead or spoiled.

Finally, if you are still unsure, try a cleaning test. Rinse the clam under cold water and gently brush the shell. A live clam will respond to the cleaning by closing its shell or moving slightly. If the clam remains unresponsive with its shell wide open, it is likely dead.

By following these steps, you can be sure that the clams you are cooking are alive and safe to eat.

Frequently asked questions