Steamed Clams might be one of my favorite dishes to serve during the summer when the sun is out, everyone is excited to be outside and you want a light meal. It’s exceptionally delicious, especially when served with a loaf of toasted crusty bread and a crisp glass of wine.
Growing up in Arizona we never really ate any seafood – but ever since I moved to California I’ve embraced the seafood scene! I’m a regular at the seafood market down in Santa Monica and I’m always trying to find fun ways to serve up an easy seafood dish to a crowd. I have big dreams that one day I’ll do a major seafood bar (kinda like the bruschetta bar) with lobster, crabs, clams, mussels, scallops etc… but it’s going to be quite the undertaking. So until then, I’ll be swooning over these steamed clams!
A bunch of cleaned clams that get steamed in a white wine and garlic mixture and then topped with bursts of freshness that come from the fresh chives! Then serve them up with a loaf of grilled bread – because while it might be acceptable in my mind to DRINK the cooking liquid, apparently it looks better it you sop it up with a bunch of toasty baguette to get all that flavor in your mouth! It looks gorgeous and complicated, but it honestly is one of the easiest recipes on my site! Whip it up, take all the credit, and let people fall over themselves to get seconds or thirds 🙂
Steamed Clams with Garlic and Chives
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic finely chopped
- 2 shallots finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 4-5 pounds of clams Littlenecks or Manilla, scrubbed, rinsed and cleaned
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives finely chopped
- 2 lemons
- Grilled baguette for serving
Instructions
- Combine the butter and olive oil in a large shallow skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots and the red pepper flakes and cook for 2-3 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not burned.
- Add the wine and increase the heat to medium-high to bring the wine to a simmer.
- Add the clams, cover with the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until clams have opened. Discard any clams that are still closed. Add the chives and juice from 1 lemon and give the pot a quick stir.
- Transfer the clams and the cooking liquid to a large serving bowl and serve with pieces of toasted bread to soak up the cooking liquid and extra lemons on the side.
Ohhh yum..what a simple and easy dinner! And I love the name of that wine!!
hahaha agreed!! a fun name for sure 🙂
What is the name of that white Wine?
Delicious way to prepare clams!
I L-O-V-E that wine…and even more I love these clams! Can’t wait to see what else you’ll be making 🙂
Thanks Laurie!! Hope you like the rest of the recipes coming up!
Love steamed clams-yum!
ditto!! The best 🙂
Lovely! And I love that wine!!
Such a great wine huh! So delish
These look so wonderful, and the perfect Summer dish!
YES!!! Tiny Hats Big Thoughts – this is coming too!
Mmmm. I would love to try this! Beautiful images as well!
Thank you 🙂
I love cooking with wine! These clams look delicious – I’d love to try them. However, being landlocked in the midwest leaves quality seafood something to be desired. Time to plan a trip out west.
Oh yes!! A trip out west will leave ya with some delish seafood inspired meals 🙂
Oh so good! Once of my favorites. Is it bad that I kinds want to pour this bowl over a plate of spaghetti? Looks amazing, Gaby.
that’s perfectly acceptable in my book 🙂
Never??? Oh girl, you’re gonna love them! Grab some wine and herbs and go to town!
Steamed clams and a bottle of white wine = the perfect Summer date night. I’ll be emailing my boyfriend this post so he gets the hint… 😉
I was a picky kids ~ but oddly enough I would have gobbled up this entire pot of steamed clams. As I would now 🙂
I’ve only had clams a few times and really enjoyed them. This would be a perfect summertime meal out by the pool or beach, thanks for sharing! 🙂
It makes me think party! Sounds like a great dish to serve. Delish.
This recipe screams summer! Would be fantastic cooked out on the open grill while at the beach!
Looks amazing, Gaby! I want to make it for dinner but the last time I did I ate the entire dutch oven-full all by myself, then ate almost an entire loaf of ciabatta soaking up the wine-y shallot-y garlic-y juices. It was so good and soooooo bad.
I can just taste these – they look amazing! I’ve never made clams and can’t wait to try it at home!
this might be exactly what I need to make clams (for the first time)!! You make it look so easy.
Those clams look good! I do not make clams nearly often enough.
Wonderful and yes refreshing.
I just stumbled across your beautiful website and this recipe caught my attention. Looks good and sounds very easy to make.
So I just decided to give it a shot … TODAY 🙂 Thanks! Cheers, Cris
I may be a little late to the party, but I made these and oh my goodness they are fantastic. I was concerned they would be too wine heavy, as I am not a big wine drinker. My concern was for nought because the wine added a terrific flavor to it.
Bravo Gaby, I know that I will have these again!
This is one delicious way to prepare clams!
Gorge!
this look so insanely delicious!
Gorgeous! Delicious!
Love steamed clams! Great summer cook out dish!
Clams were great
Say hi to Josh and David
What is the best white wine to use for this recipe?
I use a pinot gris usually! But anything will work – just as long as it’s not oaky!
Outstanding dish!
Whenever u r in ny I will make it for u!!
Thanks Billl
A great summer dish!
Yes. Please. Now.
What else besides clams and bread would you serve with this? A crispy green salad? I, myself, can live on clams, but I’m thinking about company……. I go to Santa Monica Seafood in Costa Mesa! Best fish around!
Yes! A big green salad would be perfect. As would a bowl of pasta!
Wow! We just scarfed down a big bowl of clams, absolutely wonderful! The wine worked great, it was Montana Winery; Last Best White (from Missoula, MT). We live in Libby…Loved it!
also a bowl of steamed broccoli…..Thanks so much for the recipe.. The clams were so fresh, no duds at all. I’m getting more tomorrow from the seafood truck!
Can’t wait to try it
What a great dish for the summer nights.
would this work with mussels?
absolutely
We have made this many times here in the Pacific northwest, it’s an absolute keeper!
What is the name of the white wine?
Did you find out the name of the wine?
I am from San Diego CA and my father use to make this dish for use all the time WE LOVE SEA FOOD!
I’d like to make this but I only have frozen clams. Do you suggest cooking them from frozen, or do I need to defrost first? Just leave out the freezer for a couple of hours? Thanks!
I would def defrost first
Would this same method work using oysters?
Looks delicious!! Try substituing the chives for coriander! You’ll love it!