Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsShell & Bones Oyster Bar & GrillRhode Island Littleneck Clams Recipe

Rhode Island Littleneck Clams Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

cocktail sauce + mignonette

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Ingredients

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Clams

Cocktail Sauce

Method

Preparing the Clams

  1. 1

    Cleaning the Clams

    Rinse the littleneck clams under cold running water to remove any sand or grit. Scrub the shells with a brush if necessary.

  2. 2

    Steaming the Clams

    In a large pot, add about 1 inch of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the cleaned clams to the steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until the clams open. Discard any clams that do not open.

Making the Cocktail Sauce

  1. 3

    Mixing Ingredients

    In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Stir well until smooth and fully combined.

  2. 4

    Tasting and Adjusting

    Taste the cocktail sauce and adjust the seasoning with more horseradish or salt if desired.

Making the Mignonette Sauce

  1. 5

    Combining Ingredients

    In a small bowl, mix the red wine vinegar, finely chopped shallots, crushed black peppercorns, and salt. Stir well to combine.

  2. 6

    Letting it Rest

    Allow the mignonette sauce to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Serving

  1. 7

    Plating the Clams

    Arrange the steamed littleneck clams on a serving platter.

  2. 8

    Serving with Sauces

    Serve the clams alongside the cocktail sauce and mignonette sauce for dipping.

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