Steamed Clams

Learn how to make perfect Steamed Clams every time using a spicy tomato sauce! This is a low carb, gluten-free and quick meal you will love!!

Steamed Clams

Today we are serving up a spicy steamed clams recipe that you are going to absolutely LOVE. I have a special place in my heart for steamed clams, and while Mussels reign supreme in Seattle (for good reason), Clams are kings here in Philly, and summer is never complete without lots of Steamed Clams!

You won’t believe how quick, simple, and healthy this recipe is.

I am talking on the table in under 30 minutes, Keto Steamed Clams, naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and just all-around delicious!

I’m sure you’re craving some already because I know I am, so let’s get to it! Grab your apron, gather up your clams, and a few extra ingredients and get to steaming.

Ingredients Needed for a Steamed Clam Recipe

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Yellow Onion
• Garlic Cloves
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• Littleneck Clams (4 to 5 pounds)
• Diced Tomatoes
• Kosher Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• White Wine OR Bone Broth

How to Cook Steamed Clams

1. Begin by soaking and cleaning clams, strain and keep refrigerated (preferably on a bag of ice) until ready to cook.
2. Toss any cracked or damaged clams before cooking.
3. Next, you’ll dice the yellow onion and finely chop the garlic. Chop parsley for serving and set aside.
4. Heat a large Dutch Oven or other large pot, once hot, add olive oil and then diced onion along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Saute until onions begin to be fragrant and are starting to soften, add finely chopped garlic and continue cooking, stirring frequently.
6. Add crushed red pepper flakes and stir, until fragrant.
7. Pour in diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper, stir and bring to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add in clams. Cover tightly and allow to steam until most are opened.
8. Stir in wine or broth, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Top with chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty sourdough or GF baguette. ENJOY!

What are Littleneck Clams?

If you aren’t familiar with making clams, the term “littleneck” might have you scratching your head a bit. No worries because I’m here to help.

Littleneck is the title given to the smallest of the hard clams. They are your go-to clam that are perfect for grilling, steaming, and even eating raw.

With this clam type you can get about 7-10 per pound, so keep that in mind when if you’re ordering by weight.

How Do You Clean Clams?

Give them a really good rinse and place in a large pot. Cover with ice-cold water and add a few Tablespoons of coarse Kosher salt or coarse Sea Salt. I also like to add a handful of cornmeal.

This helps agitate the clams and makes them purge some of the sand and dirt inside the shells. Allow to sit for 45 min to an hour. Rinse again, strain and keep refrigerated (preferably on a bag of ice) until ready to cook. Toss any cracked or damaged clams before cooking.

How Long Does it Take to Steam Clams?

It should take between 5 to 10 minutes, assuming your broth is at a rolling boil, the pot has a tight-fitting lid and your burner is on medium-high. Some other variables are clam freshness (older clams can take longer) and volume. This is for 4 to 5 pounds. If you are cooking a smaller volume, they will cook much quicker!

The clams should be wide open. Discard any that don’t open or are cracked or damaged.

Tips For Making Steamed Clams

• When buying raw clams, make sure not to buy them too far in advance. I suggest only purchasing your clams up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Be sure to keep an eye on the clams while cooking. Overcooking your clams will result in a tough texture that no one will enjoy.

More Shellfish Recipes To Try

Old Bay Shrimp

Zucchini Noodles in Clam Sauce

Mussels Fra Diavolo

Dairy-Free Clam Chowder

How To Make Shrimp Stock

Tom Kha Soup with Shrimp

Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!

Steamed Clams

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Soaking Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 20 mins

 

Learn how to make perfect Steamed Clams every time using a spicy tomato sauce! This is a low carb, gluten-free and quick meal you will love!!

Course: Appetizer, Mains

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Keyword: clams in tomato sauce, easy clams recipes, how to steam clams, spicy clams, steamers

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 148 kcal

Author: Alyssa Brantley

5 from 2 votes

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Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 6 large garlic cloves finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 50 littleneck clams cleaned (about 4 to 5 pounds)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tablespoons white wine or bone broth

To Serve:

• 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley finely chopped
• 1 crusty sourdough or Gluten Free baguette sliced
• 3 T heavy cream OR coconut cream (OPTIONAL, not included in nutrition information)

Instructions

1. Begin by soaking and cleaning clams:

   Give them a really good rinse and place in a large pot. Cover with ice cold water and add a few Tablespoons of coarse Kosher salt or coarse Sea Salt. I also like to add a handful of cornmeal. This helps agitate the clams and makes them purge some of the sand and dirt inside the shells. Allow to sit for 45 min to an hour. Rinse again, strain and keep refrigerated (preferably on a bag of ice) until ready to cook. Toss any cracked or damaged clams before cooking.

2. Dice yellow onion and finely chop garlic. Chop parsley for serving and set aside.

3. Heat a large Dutch Oven or other large pot over medium high heat. Once hot, add olive oil and then diced onion along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Saute 4 to 5 minutes, until onions begin to be fragrant and are starting to soften.

4. Add finely chopped garlic and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.

5. Add crushed red pepper flakes and stir for 30 to 45 seconds, until fragrant.

6. Pour in diced tomatoes, salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a rolling boil.

7. Once boiling, add in clams. Cover tightly and allow to steam for 5 to 10 minutes, checking after 4 minutes and then every 2 minutes until most (there are usually a few that don't open) are opened.

8. Stir in wine or broth, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Top with chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty sourdough or GF baguette. ENJOY!

*If using Heavy Cream OR Coconut Cream, stir in along with wine.

NOTES:

• Serves 4 as an appetizer or 2 as an Entree (with a salad).
• Recipe nutrition is calculated WITHOUT heavy cream and baguette. Make sure to account for those if you add them and are tracking calories or macros.
• The bread shown in the photos is a Gluten Free baguette. Leave off for Low Carb, Keto, Grain Free, etc.
• If you consume dairy, a few Tablespoons of heavy cream or half and half right before serving adds a nice creaminess to the sauce and cuts the spice a bit.
• Full-fat coconut cream is also a good option if you want creaminess but no dairy.
• For WHOLE30, omit wine, dairy, baguette.

Nutrition Facts

Steamed Clams

Amount Per Serving (0.25 finished dish)

Calories 148 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 8mg3%

Sodium 462mg20%

Potassium 168mg5%

Carbohydrates 7g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 820IU16%

Vitamin C 16.2mg20%

Calcium 44mg4%

Iron 1.4mg8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Did you make this recipe? Tag @EverydayMaven on Instagram with the hashtag #EveryDayMaven and please give a star rating below.

UPDATE NOTES: This Steamed Clams recipe was originally published in September 2018 and was updated in July 2019 with edited photos and recipe modifications as some of the ingredients previously used were discontinued.