Steaming Clams: A Beginner's Guide To Perfect Results

Steamer clams, or steamed soft shell clams, are a specialty of New England and are fun and easy to cook. They are delicious and can be served as an appetizer or a main course. The clams should be stored in the refrigerator and cooked soon after they arrive. Before cooking, the clams should be soaked in a brine solution to help them get rid of sand and grit. They can then be steamed for 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the clams, until their shells open.

How to prepare clams for cooking

Preparing clams for cooking is a simple process, but one that requires care and attention. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare clams for cooking:

Checking and Cleaning the Clams

Before you begin any cooking, you need to check the clams for any that are dead or damaged. Clams are alive when purchased, so they should respond to touch or a gentle tap on the shell by closing up. If they don't respond, or if the shell is broken, discard them. Check for any open or gaping shells, and if the clams appear to be cooked and wide open, throw them away. Rinse the clams under fresh water to remove any grit or algae, and listen for any that sound hollow—these are likely dead or chipped, so get rid of them.

Soaking the Clams

Soaking clams in a brine solution helps them to expel any sand or grit. Use a solution of around 1/3 to 2/3 cup of salt per gallon of water, or seawater, and soak for an hour or so. You can add a tablespoon of cornmeal to the solution if you wish. If you don't have time for a long soak, place the clams in a bowl of saltwater and gently swirl the water with your fingers for 30 seconds. Rinse and repeat until no more sand is released.

Storing the Clams

If you aren't cooking the clams immediately, store them in the refrigerator in a shallow bowl, covered with a clean, damp cloth. Do not seal them in plastic or an airtight container, and do not put them directly on ice or in water.

Preparing to Cook

Rinse the clams under cold water and drain them thoroughly before cooking. You can now proceed with your chosen recipe, whether that's steaming, boiling, or another cooking method.

What to cook clams in

When preparing to steam clams, it is important to clean them thoroughly beforehand. Start by discarding any clams with cracked or damaged shells, as well as any that are open or chipped. Place the remaining clams in a bowl and cover them with fresh water. Let them soak for around 20 minutes, which will allow them to expel any sand from their shells. Drain the water and scrub the clams with a soft brush.

When it comes to cooking the clams, you will need a large pot or pan. The amount of liquid you add will depend on the number of clams you are cooking and the size of your cookware, but generally, you will want to add enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pot or pan by about a quarter of an inch. You can use water, but for added flavour, you could use beer, white wine, or a combination of lemon juice and butter. Bring the liquid to a boil and then add your clams. Cover the pot or pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the clams cook in the steam for around 5 to 10 minutes, or until the shells open wide.

If you are cooking a large number of clams, you may want to use a steamer rack at the bottom of the pot. Place the clams carefully on the rack, being gentle to avoid breaking their shells. Once the clams are cooked, remove them from the pot and place them in a serving bowl. Do not discard the clam broth; instead, pour it into small bowls for serving.

Clams can also be cooked in the oven. For example, stuffed clams are a popular dish where the clams are blended with various ingredients such as breadcrumbs, jalapeño, celery, arugula, and linguiça (a Portuguese smoke-cured pork sausage), before being baked until piping hot and lightly browned.

How long to cook clams for

When steaming clams, it's important not to boil them, as this can make them tough. Instead, you want to steam them gently for 7-9 minutes, or until the shells have opened. Clams that haven't opened during cooking are not safe to eat and should be discarded.

The cooking time for clams depends on the size of the shellfish, the quantity you're cooking, and the cookware used. As a general rule, cook the clams until the shells pop open wide—this is the best way to tell when they're done. For food safety, the FDA recommends steaming clams in their shells for at least 4 to 9 minutes after the water reaches a full boil.

When steaming clams, it's best to use a deep pan or stockpot with just enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pan. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the clams from boiling. You can use water, white wine, beer, lemon juice, or a combination of these liquids for added flavour.

Before cooking, it's important to clean the clams by soaking them in salted water for several hours or until you see their feet start to extend out of the shell. This will help them discharge any sand or dirt. Rinse and repeat until the water is clear.

How to tell when clams are cooked

When steaming clams, it's important to know when they're cooked just right. Overcooked clams aren't a treat, and undercooked clams can be dangerous to eat. The good news is that clams are simple to cook and they will indicate when they're done.

Clams should be cooked until their shells open wide. This can take anywhere from 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the clams and the amount you're cooking. Keep an eye on them as they cook, and as soon as a clam shell pops open, it's ready to be removed from the heat. It's important to note that clams won't all open at the same time, so you'll need to keep a close watch to ensure you don't overcook any of them.

When steaming clams, it's best to use minimal liquid to avoid boiling them. You'll want to add just enough liquid to cover the bottom of your pan, and you can use water, white wine, beer, lemon juice, or butter. Bring the liquid to a boil, add the clams, cover the pan, and let them steam. Check on them regularly, and as soon as a clam shell opens wide, transfer it to a bowl.

Once all the clams have opened wide and been removed from the pan, it's time to discard any that haven't opened. It's important to toss any clams that haven't opened, as they are likely dead and filled with sand.

So, the key to knowing when your clams are cooked is to watch for their shells opening wide. With this simple method, you can ensure your clams are cooked to perfection.

What to serve with steamed clams

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

• Starchy Sides: Clams are often served with a starchy side like pasta or bread to soak up the delicious broth. Try pairing your steamed clams with a cheesy baked garlic baguette, linguine pasta, or plain sourdough bread. These options offer a delightful contrast in textures and flavours.
• Vegetable Sides: Warm vegetable sides can enhance the natural flavours of clams. Consider serving them with roasted Brussels sprouts, lemon and garlic broccoli, or green beans almondine. These vegetables provide a nice balance to the salty notes of steamed clams.
• Salads: Salads can add a fresh bite to your meal and help tone down the briny flavours of clams. A simple tossed green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and sunflower seeds is a great option. For a more interesting twist, try a Caprese salad with tomatoes, cheese, and basil, or a crispy kale and quinoa salad for a heartier option.
• Soups: Clam chowder is a classic pairing, but other soups can also work well. Opt for a rich broth with seafood flavours or tomatoes for a different profile.
• Potato Dishes: Creamy potato salad or mashed potatoes are excellent choices to accompany steamed clams. These dishes are satisfying and pair well with the clams' juices.

Frequently asked questions