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Home » Dinner » Steamed Clams in Garlic Butter

Published: July 29, 2020 Last Modified: July 29, 2020 By Sara 19 Comments

Steamed Clams in Garlic Butter

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This steamed clams recipe is fresh shellfish cooked with garlic, butter, herbs and lemon.

This steamed clams recipe is fresh shellfish cooked with garlic, butter, herbs and lemon. An easy and elegant dish that makes for a lighter main course or unexpected appetizer offering. 

You can never go wrong with fresh seafood, whether it’s grilled lobster, bacon wrapped scallops or these flavorful clams in a butter and herb sauce.

This steamed clams recipe is fresh shellfish cooked with garlic, butter, herbs and lemon. This steamed clams recipe is fresh shellfish cooked with garlic, butter, herbs and lemon.

Steamed clams in a pot with lemon wedges and parsley.

I always order steamed clams as an appetizer when I go to restaurants, but I’ve learned that this dish is actually super quick and easy to make at home! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how simple it is to put a fabulous and flavorful meal on the table.

How to clean clams

Start by picking through your clams to discard any that are open or chipped. Place the clams in a bowl, then add fresh water to cover. Let the clams sit in the water for 20 minutes. This will allow the clams to expel any sand that may be in their shells. These days, most clams are farmed and typically do not contain much, if any sand. Drain the water, then scrub the clams with a soft brush. At this point, the clams are ready to cook.

Fresh clams on a sheet pan.

How do you make steamed clams?

Melt butter in a pan, then add a generous amount of garlic and a pinch of red chili flakes. Add a good quality white wine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the clams to the pan, then cover and cook until the clams are open. Season with salt and pepper to taste, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, then serve immediately and enjoy.

How long does it take to steam clams?

It takes about 7-9 minutes to steam clams. Be sure not to boil the clams or they can become tough, a gentle simmer is all that is needed. The clams are cooked through when the shells have opened.

Littleneck clams in a pot with butter and white wine.

Tips for the perfect steamed clams

  • I recommend buying your clams the same day that you plan to cook them. If you need to store the clams for a longer period of time, place them in an open container in the refrigerator and cover them with damp paper towels.
  • Be sure to discard any clams that have not opened during the cooking process, as they are not good to eat.
  • Plan on purchasing 1 pound of clams per person to serve as a main course, or 1/2 pound per person to serve as an appetizer.
  • This dish is best when served immediately after cooking. Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
  • I like to serve my steamed clams with a side of bread, but you can also serve this dish over pasta with great results.

Cooked clams in a blue pot.

Are clams healthy?

Clams are a great addition to any healthy diet. This type of shellfish is low in calories and carbohydrates, yet high in protein. Clams are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, magnesium and Vitamin B12. This recipe does contain butter, but you could swap it out with heart healthy olive oil or cut the butter in half if you’re watching your calories.

Flavor Variations

This clam recipe is delicious as-is, but you can add other ingredients to the mix to customize the flavors to your tastes.

  • Shellfish: This recipe also works great with mussels, or you can use a combination of  mussels and clams.
  • Meat: Feel free to add some cooked and diced bacon, spanish chorizo or pancetta to your clams.
  • Beans: Stir in some canned chickpeas or white beans for a heartier meal.
  • Vegetables: Add some sauteed vegetables to the clams such as fennel, red bell peppers or thinly sliced red onion. Another great option is fresh or canned diced tomatoes.

A serving bowl of steamed clams with fresh parsley and sliced bread on the side.

Whenever I have a hankering for a taste of the sea, I whip up a pot of these succulent clams. The seafood lovers in your life will adore this recipe!

More seafood recipes to try

  • Popcorn Shrimp
  • Fried Calamari
  • Seafood Pasta
  • Shrimp Boil
  • Honey Glazed Salmon

Steamed Clams

Steamed clams in a pot with lemon wedges and parsley.
Print Pin
5 from 17 votes

Steamed Clams

This steamed clams recipe is fresh shellfish cooked with garlic, butter, herbs and lemon. An easy and elegant dish that makes for a lighter main course or unexpected appetizer offering. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 214kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 4 pounds fresh clams cleaned
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped herbs such as parsley, chives or basil
  • herb sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and melt it.
  • Add the garlic and chili flakes and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Add the white wine and bring to a simmer; do not boil.
  • Place the clams in the pot, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot, then simmer for 7-9 minutes or until clams have opened. Discard any clams that are still shut.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and herbs. Serve immediately, garnished with herb sprigs and lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 516mg | Potassium: 74mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 596IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Comments

    1. Lee says

      March 30, 2022 at 4:01 pm

      5 stars
      I doubled the batch because I have a teenage son that eats a ton . Think I could use the stock for a clam chowder?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        March 31, 2022 at 8:45 am

        Yes that should work!

        Reply
    2. Vanessa says

      December 21, 2021 at 11:19 am

      5 stars
      I’ve never made clams or mussels before and this recipe was amazing! Thank you so much for sharing such a simple but tasty recipe 😉

      Reply
    3. Janet says

      June 21, 2021 at 5:05 pm

      5 stars
      I bought fresh clams at our local Asian market. I wasn’t sure what to do with them so I was delighted with this recipe. They came out super great!

      Reply
    4. Denise Broady says

      June 16, 2021 at 2:19 pm

      Can chicken stock be used in place of the wine?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 16, 2021 at 8:13 pm

        Yes that’s fine!

        Reply
    5. Marie says

      April 16, 2021 at 5:46 pm

      I rarely make a recipe exactly as written but this time i did. They were delicious, perfect & the broth so yummy served with crostini , caprese salad and white wine. Freezing the broth to have with pasta another night, might add a can of clams. Thank you, recipe a keeper.

      Reply
      • Charles Roberts says

        May 26, 2021 at 9:03 pm

        5 stars
        I always save the broth from clams I have steamed . This time I used white wine one small pink lemon squeezed some powdered garlic some thyme some oregano and a little salt . So now I have seasoned broth for my Manhattan clam chowder

        Reply
    6. Marge says

      November 10, 2020 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      My husband just loved these clams! I served them with pasta. Yum!

      Reply
    7. Jacque Hooper says

      August 20, 2020 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      I have never cooked clams before, but gave this a try and they turned out amazing! Super easy, decadent, and delicious! Definitely impressed my family with this one!

      Reply
    8. Ashley says

      August 18, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      Simple to make but so delicious to eat! Very tasty!

      Reply
    9. Lily says

      August 18, 2020 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      I love how simple this dish is yet it looks so fancy, I served this to some friends for dinner and they were amazed, this will be a staple for any dinners.

      Reply
    10. Sandra says

      August 7, 2020 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      I love these steamed clams! They’re so tasty and easy to do!

      Reply
    11. Beti says

      August 5, 2020 at 9:24 am

      5 stars
      These clams are incredibly delicious!! We enjoyed every bite!! YUM!

      Reply
    12. katerina says

      August 5, 2020 at 9:23 am

      5 stars
      WOW! I can’t wait to try these! They looks absolutely amazing!

      Reply
    13. Toni Dash says

      August 5, 2020 at 7:33 am

      5 stars
      This was a huge hit at my house! Everyone loved it!

      Reply
    14. Allyson Zea says

      August 5, 2020 at 6:30 am

      5 stars
      I’ve always wondered how to make these, and now I’m going to have them for dinner!

      Reply
    15. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      August 4, 2020 at 9:59 pm

      5 stars
      This steamed clams is seriously making me hungry!

      Reply
    16. Beth says

      August 4, 2020 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! These look so delicious! Can’t wait to try these!

      Reply

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