Dive into a culinary adventure with this recipe for Spicy Butter Steamed Clams, a dish that perfectly balances the briny sweetness of fresh clams with a fiery, buttery sauce. Imagine succulent clams, tender and juicy, nestled in a vibrant pool of spicy garlic butter, infused with the bright citrus notes of lime. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a seaside bistro, promising a flavorful journey for your taste buds. This dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy preparation; this recipe focuses on maximizing flavor with simple, fresh ingredients. The rich, spicy butter sauce is the star, enhancing the natural flavors of the clams without overpowering them. Ready to transform simple clams into an unforgettable meal? Let's dive into the step-by-step process, guiding you through each stage of creating this delectable dish.
Tools Needed
- Basin
- Pot
- Clay pot
Ingredients
- Clams: 1.5 kg
- Butter
- Garlic
- Non-spicy Chili Peppers
- Water: 350g
- Sugar: 120g
- Fish Sauce: 15g
- Oyster Sauce: 50g
- Chili Sauce: 20g
- Salt
- Avocado
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Clams and Sauce
- Prepare 1.5 kg of clams. Soak clams in diluted salt water with 2-3 chili peppers for 5 minutes to release sand.
- Prepare the chili peppers (use spicy chili if preferred). Mince garlic and chop chili peppers.
- Combine 350g water, 120g sugar, 15g fish sauce, 50g oyster sauce, 20g chili sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Simmer Sauce
- Melt butter in a pot, add minced garlic and chopped chili peppers until fragrant.
- Add the prepared avocado sauce to the pot and bring to a boil.
Step 3. Steam the Clams
- Add the drained clams to the boiling sauce in a hot clay pot. Cover and steam for 3 minutes without opening the lid.
- Turn off the heat and let the clams sit in the covered pot for a few minutes to finish cooking.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with bread for dipping. Garnish with additional chili peppers as desired.
Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe
Tips
- Soaking clams in diluted salt water with chili peppers helps them release sand more quickly.
- Using a clay pot helps retain heat and cook the clams evenly.
- Do not open the lid during the 3-minute steaming process to maintain heat and ensure juicy clams.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1500-1800
- Fat: 80-100g
- Carbs: 100-130g
- Protein: 50-60g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen clams instead of fresh?
It's best to use fresh clams for the best flavor and texture. Frozen clams can be mushy. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and drain well before cooking.
2. What kind of butter should I use?
Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the saltiness of the dish. Using salted butter might make the dish too salty.
3. Can I make the avocado sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the avocado sauce can be made a few hours ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving as it might separate slightly.
This Spicy Butter Steamed Clams with Avocado Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual get-together. The combination of spicy butter and creamy avocado creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!