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
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
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
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories dinner, easy, quick, main course
Time 2m
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
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
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
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
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
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
Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 25m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
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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