Steaming New England Clams: A Beginner's Guide

New England steamed clams, also known as steamers, are a delicious and fun-to-eat delicacy. They are a specialty of New England, where the fresh seafood is a treat for locals and tourists alike. Preparing these soft-shell clams is simple: they are cooked in a large pot with water, butter, and sometimes beer, and served with melted butter and lemon wedges. The process of steaming the clams is what gives them their unique taste, and they make for a wonderful appetiser or main course.

How to cook New England steamed clams

Cleaning and preparing clams for cooking

Firstly, you'll want to scrub the clams with a vegetable brush under cold running water. Rinse them thoroughly until no traces of sand remain. This step is important to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the clams.

Next, prepare a saltwater solution by dissolving 1 tablespoon of sea salt (or 2-3/4 teaspoons of table salt) into each quart of water. Place the scrubbed clams in a large bowl or bucket and cover them with the saltwater solution. Let the clams soak for at least two hours, but preferably overnight if you have the time. During this time, the clams will discharge any remaining sand or grit, so you may need to change the water or rinse the clams again if they release a lot of sediment.

After the clams have soaked, drain the water and give them a final rinse under cold water. At this point, they should be clean and ready for cooking.

When you're ready to cook, gather a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add about an inch of water, or alternatively, you can use beer or stout for added flavour. Bring the liquid to a boil and carefully place the clams in the pot. Cover the pot and let the clams cook in the steam for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

It's important to note that steamer clams, also known as soft-shell clams, have shells that don't close as tightly as hard-shell clams. As a result, they might contain a little sand, even after thorough cleaning. To minimise this, be sure to swirl the clams in the water with your fingers during the soaking process and rinse them well.

Cooking methods and timings

Firstly, you'll want to clean your clams. Rinse them several times in cold, running water. Then, soak them in salted or seawater for around two to three hours. You can add a few handfuls of cornmeal to the water to help draw out any sand. Drain and rinse the clams again.

Now you're ready to start cooking. There are a few different methods you can use to steam your clams:

• Using a steamer: Fill the base of your steamer with around an inch of water, and bring to a boil. You can also add some celery and parsley to the water for extra flavour. Add the clams and bring back to a boil, then cook for about 4 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until the clams open. If you want to be extra sure that all harmful bacteria are killed, you can cook them for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
• Using a kettle or pot: Place the clams in a large kettle or pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add enough boiling water to cover the bottom of the pot (around 1 cup). You can also add some celery and parsley to the water. Cover and steam over low heat until the clams open, about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Using a skillet: In a large skillet with a lid, melt some butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then, add wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Add the clams and remaining butter, cover, and steam until the clams have opened (about 7 to 8 minutes).

Regardless of the method you use, be sure to discard any clams that don't open during cooking. Also, keep in mind that the cooking times given are only estimates, and the exact time may vary depending on the size and number of clams you're cooking.

Once your clams are cooked, you can serve them with melted butter and fresh lemon for a traditional New England treat. Enjoy!

How to serve and eat steamed clams

New England-style steamed clams are a delicious treat and fun to eat. They can be served as an appetizer or as a main course over a bed of pasta.

To serve steamed clams, first carefully scoop the cooked clams into a bowl. Don't discard the broth left in the pot, as this can be served alongside the clams. Pour the broth into individual serving dishes for dipping. You can also sprinkle the broth with a little chopped parsley.

To eat the clams, use your fingers to pull the clam from its shell by the neck. Then, dip the clam first in the broth to remove any sand, and then into melted butter. You can also dip the clam in the broth a second time to warm it up and dislodge any remaining grit or sand. Everything except the tough skin of the neck may be eaten. The broth can be drunk once the sand has settled at the bottom.

You can also serve the clams with lemon wedges, and fresh, crusty baguette slices or bread to soak up the juices.

What to serve with steamed clams

Steamed clams are a delicious and healthy meal, and there are several side dishes that can complement them. Here are some ideas on what to serve with steamed clams to elevate your dining experience:

Starchy Sides

Bread and pasta are excellent companions to steamed clams, providing a starchy base to soak up the delicious clam broth. Consider serving a crusty loaf of sourdough bread or a plain or creamy pasta dish like linguine. Sourdough bread, in particular, has a crackly crunchy crust and a fluffy interior that is perfect for dipping into the broth without becoming mushy.

Vegetable Sides

Warm vegetable sides are a great way to enhance the natural flavours of clams. You can opt for mildly sweet vegetables like bell peppers and corn, or earthy greens such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans to balance the salty notes of the clams. Lemon and garlic broccoli is a colourful and nutritious option, while roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan and Italian seasoning offer a delightful sweet and nutty flavour.

Salads

Salads provide a fresh and crisp contrast to steamed clams. A simple tossed green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits is a good choice, and you can easily customise it with your favourite vegetables. A Caprese salad, with its vibrant combination of tomatoes, cheese, and basil, is another easy and tasty option.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something more substantial, consider serving mashed potatoes, which go well with the clam broth. Oyster crackers are also a good choice, especially if you're serving clam chowder. They add a nice crunch, and seasoning them with ranch dressing and Parmesan cheese gives them a tangy, herby kick.

So, the next time you prepare steamed clams, don't hesitate to experiment with various side dishes to create a well-rounded and enjoyable meal for your family and friends.

How to store and reheat leftover clams

How to Store Leftover Clams

Leftover clams should be stored in an airtight container or a sealed bag in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Before storing, separate the clams from their sauce or broth and remove them from their shells. Do not store them in any liquid as they will absorb it and become mushy. Leave the clams to cool to room temperature before storing, but do not leave them out for more than 2 hours.

Reheating Leftover Clams

The best way to reheat leftover clams is by incorporating them into a hot dish like pasta or broth. Heat your broth, soup, pasta sauce, or rice, and once it is hot, remove it from the heat and stir in the clams. Wait 1-2 minutes for the clams to heat through. This method ensures the clams remain soft and juicy, and it will not overcook them.

Alternatively, you can reheat the clams in a steamer for 30-60 seconds, or in the microwave covered with water for 45-second intervals until they are warm. However, these methods may not yield the same texture and flavour as the previous method.

Frequently asked questions