Jul 14 2026

Steamed Clams Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Virginia little neck clams, natural juices, butter, and thyme.

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Ingredients

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Clams

Cooking Liquid

Flavorings

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Clean the Clams

    Rinse the Virginia little neck clams under cold running water to remove any sand or debris. Scrub the shells with a brush to ensure they are clean.

  2. 2

    Soak the Clams

    Soak the cleaned clams in a bowl of cold water for about 20-30 minutes to allow them to expel any remaining sand. Drain and rinse again.

Cooking

  1. 3

    Prepare the Cooking Liquid

    In a large pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of dry white wine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

  2. 4

    Add Flavorings

    Once the liquid is boiling, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

  3. 5

    Steam the Clams

    Add the cleaned clams to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the clams for about 5-7 minutes, or until the clams have opened. Discard any clams that do not open.

  4. 6

    Season and Serve

    Season the steamed clams with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot with the cooking liquid drizzled over the clams.

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