Best 5 Middleneck Clams Best Recipes

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In the culinary world, middleneck clams stand out as a delectable seafood delicacy, prized for their briny-sweet flavor and tender texture. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking to elevate your seafood game, discovering the best recipe to cook middleneck clams can be an exciting culinary adventure. With their versatility, these clams can be steamed, grilled, roasted, or fried, each method unlocking unique flavors and textures. From classic preparations like steamed clams with white wine and butter to creative dishes like clam chowder or clam fritters, the possibilities are endless. Embark on a culinary journey to uncover the perfect recipe that captures the essence of middleneck clams and tantalizes your taste buds.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

SCOTT URE'S CLAMS AND GARLIC



Scott Ure's Clams And Garlic image

So simple, but so good - steamed clams served in their own liquor. Serve with a crusty Italian bread, or over pasta.

Provided by Scott Ure

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Seafood Main Dish Recipes     Clams

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

50 small clams in shell, scrubbed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white wine
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Wash clams to remove any dirt or sand.
  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic; saute for 1 minute, or until tender. Pour in the white wine. Boil until wine has reduced to half its original volume.
  • Add clams, cover, and steam till clams start to open. Add butter, cover, and cook till most or all of the clams open. Discard any that do not open. Transfer clams and juice to 2 large bowls. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191.5 calories, Carbohydrate 4.3 g, Cholesterol 24 mg, Fat 12.8 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 63.5 mg, Sugar 1 g

GRILLED CLAMS WITH LEMON-CAYENNE BUTTER



Grilled Clams With Lemon-Cayenne Butter image

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, main course

Time 2m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 large garlic clove, minced
Large pinch kosher salt, more to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, more to taste
Pinch cayenne pepper
2 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed
Chopped fresh chives, for serving

Steps:

  • Using a mortar and pestle, or on a cutting board using flat part of a knife, mash together garlic and salt until a paste forms. Scrape paste into a small bowl and stir in butter, lemon juice and cayenne. Taste and make sure salt and lemon are balanced.
  • Preheat grill. Place clams directly on grill grate or on a large baking pan in a single layer. Cover grill and let clams cook for 2 minutes. Open grill and check clams, using tongs to remove any that have opened, and transfer them to a large bowl. Be careful not to spill clams' juices when transferring them. Close grill lid and check every 30 seconds, removing clams as they open.
  • Pour lemon-cayenne butter over clam bowl and toss lightly. Serve hot, garnished with chives.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 359, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 1049 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 1 gram

FRIED CLAMS



Fried Clams image

The clam's crunchy, golden coating will truly melt in your mouth. One bite and you'll understand why these are considered a delicacy! Tim Connolly, Freeport, Maine

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1-1/2 cups yellow cornmeal, divided
1/2 cup cake flour, divided
2/3 cup water
12 fresh cherrystone clams, shucked
Oil for deep-fat frying
1/2 teaspoon salt
Tartar sauce or seafood cocktail sauce, optional

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, combine 3/4 cup cornmeal and 1/4 cup flour with the water, forming a batter. In another bowl, combine the remaining cornmeal and flour., Dip clams in batter; shake off excess. Coat with cornmeal mixture., In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry clams, a few at a time, for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels; sprinkle with salt. , Serve immediately with sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 127 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 106mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BUTTERY GARLIC STEAMED CLAMS



Buttery Garlic Steamed Clams image

Just 15 minutes is all you need for these steamed clams in a velvety, buttery garlic wine sauce!

Provided by Amy

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

5 tablespoons Finlandia Unsalted Butter, divided
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
1 cup white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 dozen little neck clams, rinsed and scrubbed
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Wedges from 1 lemon for garnish, if desired

Steps:

  • In a large skillet (that has a lid), melt 2-1/2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  • Add wine and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
  • Add clams and remaining butter. Cover and steam until clams have opened (about 7-8 minutes). Occasionally shake skillet while steaming.
  • Discard any clams that do not open. Sprinkle evenly with parsley and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired. Serve with a french baguette or over a bed of cooked pasta.

STEAMED CLAMS



Steamed Clams image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 dozen fresh clams (littlenecks or middlenecks, your choice)
3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup white wine
2 cups clam juice or water
Chopped parsley leaves
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)

Steps:

  • Wash the clams thoroughly and remove any blemishes. They should have no odor. Heat oil in a large saucepan (with a cover) over medium heat and cook garlic and onion until translucent. Add the wine and let cook for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors. Add the clams and clam juice (or water) and cover the pan for about 10 minutes until the clams open. Discard any clams that do not open and remove clams to serving bowls. Season the juices in the pan with salt and pepper to make a sauce. Pour the sauce and melted butter over the clams.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh clams: Look for clams that are tightly closed and have a briny smell. Avoid any clams that are open or have a foul odor.
  • Properly clean the clams: Before cooking, soak the clams in cold water for 20 minutes to remove any sand or grit. Scrub the shells with a stiff brush to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Use a variety of cooking methods: Clams can be steamed, boiled, grilled, baked, or fried. Each method produces a different flavor and texture, so experiment to find your favorite way to cook them.
  • Don't overcook the clams: Clams are best when they are cooked just until they open. Overcooking can make them tough and chewy.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce: Clams are often served with a simple dipping sauce, such as melted butter, lemon juice, or cocktail sauce.

Conclusion:

Middleneck clams are a delicious and versatile seafood option. They can be cooked in a variety of ways and are a great addition to any meal. Whether you are looking for a simple appetizer or a hearty main course, middleneck clams are sure to please. So next time you are at the seafood counter, be sure to pick up a few pounds of middleneck clams and give one of these recipes a try!

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