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.
This recipe screams summer! Would be fantastic cooked out on the open grill while at the beach!
It makes me think party! Sounds like a great dish to serve. Delish.
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! 🙂
I was a picky kids ~ but oddly enough I would have gobbled up this entire pot of steamed clams. As I would now 🙂
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... 😉
Never??? Oh girl, you're gonna love them! Grab some wine and herbs and go to town!
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 🙂
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 🙂
Mmmm. I would love to try this! Beautiful images as well!
Thank you 🙂
These look so wonderful, and the perfect Summer dish!
YES!!! Tiny Hats Big Thoughts - this is coming too!
Lovely! And I love that wine!!
Such a great wine huh! So delish
Love steamed clams-yum!
ditto!! The best 🙂
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!
Delicious way to prepare clams!
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?