Lunch / Dinner
Pacific Northwest Steamed Clams
Pacific Northwest Steamed Clams have a Chardonnay butter broth that you’ll find yourself dragging bread through to enjoy every last drop.
Manila clams are the star. Manila clams are the go-to clam when it comes to the Pacific Northwest, because they’re the most affordable and most sustainable type of seafood — also one of the simplest to prepare.
This recipe is by Brendan McGill from The Pacific Northwest Seafood Cookbook by Naomi Tomky.
Ingredients
Test Kitchen Tip
Cultured butter has a fuller flavor that’s noticeably acidic due to the cream being treated with cultures (like yogurt), allowed to ferment, and then churned.
How to Store Clams
For live clams, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover clams with a damp towel, and store in the refrigerator. If you won’t be eating them within a day or two, make sure to rewet the towel.
Instructions
Place wine, leek, garlic, bay leaf, lemon, salt, and 1½ sticks butter in the bottom of a steamer pot. Turn heat to high for 3–5 minutes to burn the alcohol from the wine. (A big whiff of the pot should not have any alcohol smell.)
Add steamer insert, with clams inside, to pot and cover. Every couple of minutes, lift the lid and check on the clams. Stir gently, with tongs, to redistribute clams. Cook just until clams open, 3–10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut the baguette lengthwise and spread on the remaining 4 Tbsp. butter.
Grill bread on both sides over hot coals or broil it in the oven, for about 5 minutes; cut bread into 2-inch chunks.
Remove the steamer lid and top clams with parsley. Serve clams out of pot or in bowls with broth and grilled bread.
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional Facts
Per serving
Calories: 882
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 36g 55%
Saturated Fat 20g 100%
Cholesterol 216mg 72%
Sodium 1574mg 65%
Carbs 45g 15%
Protein 71g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.