garlic butter clams recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
garlic butter clams recipe
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The Best garlic butter clams recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – garlic butter clams. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet packed with flavor.

The combination of succulent clams, rich garlic butter, and fresh parsley is a match made in heaven. My kids love helping me prepare this recipe, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, garlic butter clams are sure to impress.

And the best part? They’re surprisingly healthy, too! With a low calorie count and plenty of protein from the clams, you can feel good about serving this dish to your loved ones.

I like to serve it over a bed of linguine or rice, and it’s just as delicious with some crusty bread on the side. One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can easily adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste, and add in some diced veggies like carrots or celery for added nutrition. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover parsley or herbs you have on hand.

As an added bonus, garlic butter clams are also ridiculously easy to make ahead of time – simply cook the clams and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. Just reheat with some additional butter if needed, and you’re good to go! I’ve served this recipe at countless potlucks and dinner parties, and it always gets rave reviews.

So if you’re looking for a new go-to recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, look no further than garlic butter clams!

Garlic Butter Clams

Garlic Butter Clams

4.9 from 1348 votes

Tender littleneck clams steamed in a rich garlic butter sauce with white wine and fresh herbs. This quick and elegant dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion appetizer.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Clams

4 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed
1/4 cup unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Crusty bread for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the clams under cold running water and discard any that are open or have cracked shells.
2Place the cleaned clams in a large bowl of cold salted water for 20 minutes to purge any sand.
3In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until it foams.
4Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
5Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
6Add the drained clams to the pot, cover with the lid, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until all clams have opened.
7Remove the pot from the heat and discard any clams that remain closed.
8Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9Divide the clams and the garlic butter sauce among serving bowls.
10Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For best results, use fresh clams and serve immediately. If clams are very sandy, repeat the soaking step with fresh water. Substitute white wine with clam juice or chicken broth if preferred.

Watch Video Of How Garlic Butter Clams Works

One of the things I love about garlic butter clams is how versatile they are – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, they fit the bill perfectly.

And because they’re so easy to make ahead of time (simply cook the clams and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve), you can easily whip up a batch for any occasion that comes up.

Plus, because they’re relatively low-calorie and packed with protein from the clams themselves, you can feel good about serving them up at your next family gathering.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Clams

Q: What type of clams are best for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using littleneck or cherrystone clams – they’re smaller in size but packed with flavor.

Q: Can I use frozen clams instead of fresh?

A: While fresh is always best, frozen clams will work in a pinch – just thaw them according to package instructions before using.

Q: How do I know if my clams are cooked through?

A: The easiest way is to check if they’ve opened their shells – if they have, they’re done! If not, give them another minute or two until they do.

Q: Can I make this recipe without garlic?

A: If you’re not a fan of garlic or want to reduce its flavor, you can omit it altogether – just be aware that it adds a lot of depth to the dish.

Q: Can I use lemon juice instead of white wine?

A: While white wine adds a nice acidity to the dish, lemon juice will work as a substitute in a pinch.

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