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Clams are small but mighty when it comes to nutrition. Packed with iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, they’re a powerhouse for heart health, brain function, and energy levels.
The best part? They’re incredibly versatile! Whether you like them steamed, grilled, in a creamy chowder, or tossed with pasta, clams bring a briny, ocean-fresh flavor to any dish.
These 18 mouthwatering clam recipes will help you get all the benefits while indulging in bold, satisfying flavors.
1. Classic Steamed Clams
Simple, buttery, and packed with natural briny goodness.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 cup white wine and bring to a simmer. Toss in 2 lbs fresh clams, cover, and steam for 7-10 minutes until they open. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.
2. New England Clam Chowder
Creamy, rich, and absolutely comforting on a chilly day.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Cook 4 slices of chopped bacon until crispy. Add 1 diced onion, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 3 diced potatoes, 1 cup clam juice, and 2 cups broth. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add 1½ cups chopped clams and 1 cup heavy cream. Cook for 5 more minutes.
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3. Linguine with Clam Sauce
A classic Italian dish with briny clams and a garlicky white wine sauce.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Cook 8 oz linguine. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 cup white wine and 1 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss in 1 lb clams and cover. Cook until clams open, then stir in pasta and parsley.
4. Clam Bake
A summer seafood feast packed with flavor.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
In a large pot, layer 2 lbs clams, 4 ears of corn (halved), 1 lb baby potatoes, and 1 lb sausage. Pour in 1 cup white wine and cover. Steam for 25-30 minutes. Serve with melted butter.
5. Spicy Clams with Chorizo
Smoky chorizo adds a spicy kick to these briny bites.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Sauté ½ lb diced chorizo until crispy. Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 1 cup white wine and 1 lb clams. Cover and steam until clams open. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
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6. Garlic Butter Clams
Garlicky, buttery perfection in every bite.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Melt 3 tbsp butter in a pan. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant. Pour in ½ cup white wine and add 1½ lbs clams. Cover and steam until clams open. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
7. Clams Casino
Baked, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Shuck 12 clams and place on a baking sheet. Top each with a mixture of ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter, 3 slices crumbled bacon, and 1 tbsp chopped bell pepper. Broil for 5 minutes until golden.
8. Thai Coconut Curry Clams
A creamy, fragrant dish with a spicy kick.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 1 can coconut milk, 1 tbsp red curry paste, and 1 tsp fish sauce. Add 1 lb clams and simmer until they open. Garnish with fresh basil.
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9. Grilled Clams with Lemon Herb Butter
Smoky, charred clams dripping with herby butter.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Heat a grill to medium-high. Place 1 lb clams directly on the grates. Close the lid and cook until they open, about 5-7 minutes. Drizzle with a mix of melted butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
10. Clam and Corn Chowder
A sweet and savory twist on classic chowder.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Sauté 3 slices of chopped bacon with 1 diced onion. Add 2 cups corn, 1 diced potato, and 2 cups broth. Simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in 1½ cups chopped clams and ½ cup heavy cream.
11. Clam Fritters
Crispy, golden, and packed with briny flavor.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Mix 1 cup flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ cup milk, 1 egg, and 1 cup chopped clams. Heat oil in a pan and fry spoonfuls until golden brown.
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12. Clam Tacos
A fresh, zesty twist on seafood tacos.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Sauté 1 lb chopped clams with 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tsp chili powder. Serve in corn tortillas with slaw and avocado.
13. Clam and Bacon Pasta
A rich, smoky pasta dish with a briny punch.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Cook 8 oz pasta. In a pan, cook 4 slices chopped bacon until crispy. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup white wine. Toss in 1 lb clams and steam until they open. Stir in cooked pasta and ¼ cup grated Parmesan.
14. Spicy Miso Clams
A bold, umami-packed dish with a fiery kick.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Sauté 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tbsp ginger in 1 tbsp sesame oil. Stir in 1 tbsp miso paste, 1 tsp chili paste, and 1½ cups water. Add 1 lb clams and steam until they open. Garnish with scallions.
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15. Clam and Tomato Bruschetta
A bright, fresh appetizer with juicy tomatoes and briny clams.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Sauté 1 minced garlic clove in olive oil. Add 1 cup chopped clams and ½ cup diced tomatoes. Cook for 3 minutes. Spoon onto toasted baguette slices and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
16. Clam and Zucchini Stir-Fry
A quick and healthy meal with a garlicky kick.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Sauté 1 sliced zucchini and 1 minced garlic clove in olive oil. Add 1 lb clams and ½ cup broth. Cover and steam until clams open. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
17. Clam Pizza
A seafood lover’s dream with a crispy, cheesy crust.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Stretch out pizza dough and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup chopped clams. Bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes. Top with fresh parsley and lemon zest.
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18. Clam and Spinach Risotto
A creamy, luxurious dish with deep ocean flavors.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Sauté 1 diced shallot in 1 tbsp butter. Stir in 1 cup Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes. Add ½ cup white wine and cook until absorbed. Gradually add 3 cups broth, stirring often. Toss in 1 lb clams and 1 cup spinach. Cook until clams open and risotto is creamy.
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