Spicy Garlic Butter Clams Recipe: Easy Cleaning & Cooking Guide

Dive into a culinary adventure with this irresistible recipe for Spicy Garlic Butter Clams! Imagine succulent, plump clams bathed in a vibrant sauce of garlic, butter, and a delightful kick of spice. This dish is surprisingly easy to make, transforming humble clams into a restaurant-worthy meal that's perfect for a romantic dinner, a casual weeknight supper, or a lively gathering with friends. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe prioritizes simplicity and bold flavors, guaranteeing a delicious outcome even for beginner cooks.

Forget tedious scrubbing! We'll guide you through a simple, effective cleaning method that ensures your clams are perfectly prepared for cooking. From selecting the freshest clams to mastering the perfect spicy garlic butter sauce, this recipe provides everything you need to create a memorable meal. Ready to embark on this flavorful journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

• Mortar and pestle (or knife)
• Bowl
• Pan

Ingredients

• Large Clams: 1 kg
• Non-spicy Chili Peppers: 50g
• Spicy Chili Pepper: 1
• Garlic: 50g
• MSG: 1 teaspoon
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: 1/3 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon (for soaking)
• Sugar: 4 tablespoons
• Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Butter: 4 tablespoons
• Sweet Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons
• Water: 5 tablespoons
• Cinnamon or Lemon Leaves: a little

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and Clean Clams

• Soak clams in water with 1 tablespoon of salt and a few chili peppers for at least 2 hours (or 3 hours if possible) to release sand.
• Wash clams thoroughly after soaking.

Step 2. Make the Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce

• Grind 50g non-spicy chili peppers (remove seeds if desired), 1 spicy chili pepper, and 50g garlic in a mortar and pestle. You can chop finely if you don't have a mortar and pestle.
• Combine the ground chili and garlic with MSG, oyster sauce, 1/3 teaspoon salt, sugar, fish sauce, and mayonnaise in a bowl. Mix well.
• Add 5 tablespoons of water and mix until combined.
• Melt butter in a pan. Add the chili and garlic mixture, stir-fry until softened.

• Add the sauce mixture to the pan and mix well.

Step 3. Cook the Clams

• Add the clams to the pan. Stir gently until clams open their mouths.
• Before turning off the heat, add a little cinnamon or lemon leaves.

Step 4. Serve

• Serve immediately with bread.

Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe

Tips

• Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to your spice preference.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste.
• Don't over-stir the clams to prevent them from breaking.

Nutrition

• N/A

FAQs

1. How do I tell if my clams are fresh?

Fresh clams should be tightly closed or close when tapped. Discard any that are open and don't close when touched, or that have broken shells.

2. What can I substitute for white wine?

Chicken broth or clam juice can be used as a substitute for white wine. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

It's best to cook the clams just before serving to ensure they remain tender and juicy. The sauce can be made ahead, however.

There you have it – a simple yet sensational Spicy Garlic Butter Clams recipe that's sure to impress. From the initial cleaning to the final delicious bite, this recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn't require complicated techniques. Enjoy this delightful dish and savor the taste of the sea!