Description
This Garlic Butter Steamed Clams recipe features tender littleneck clams simmered in a flavorful garlic, green onion, white wine, and cream sauce. Enhanced with butter, lemon juice, and fresh parsley, this dish offers a rich, savory seafood delight perfect for an elegant appetizer or main course paired with crusty sourdough bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 2 pounds small clams or cockles (littleneck clams preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups white wine
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1 1/2 cups water (or replace with 1 1/2 cups chicken broth)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup cream or half and half
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped green onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and aromatic.
- Add the clams: Add the 2 pounds of small clams or cockles to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to begin releasing their juices.
- Simmer in wine and broth: Pour in 1 1/2 cups white wine along with 2 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in 1 1/2 cups water or alternatively 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a rolling simmer. Cook until the clams open completely, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Finish with lemon and cream: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the juice of half a lemon, the remaining tablespoon of butter, and 1/2 cup of cream or half and half. Mix gently to combine all flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the steamed clams and serve immediately with sourdough bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Notes
- Discard any clams that do not open after cooking to avoid any food safety risks.
- Use fresh clams and rinse them well under cold water to remove any sand or grit before cooking.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace white wine with additional chicken broth or water plus a splash of lemon juice.
- Adjust garlic quantity according to taste preferences for a milder or more intense flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty sourdough or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter clams, steamed clams, littleneck clams, seafood recipe, clam recipe, easy clam dish
