Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams Recipe in 20 Minutes

There’s something undeniably enchanting about sinking your teeth into a bowl of Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams. Imagine the warm, buttery garlic sauce mingling with the succulent clams as you bring a spoonful to your lips; it’s pure magic. The fragrance of garlic and herbs wafts through the air, enticing everyone around with its mouthwatering aroma, turning a simple meal into a culinary adventure.

But these clams are not just a dish; they carry with them moments of laughter and warmth. Picture a cozy evening with friends, sharing stories and laughter over a steaming pot, slurping clams straight from their shells, and scooping up the flavorful broth with crusty bread—it’s the epitome of comfort food. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is bound to impress and create lasting memories.

Ingredients for Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter – This rich fat forms the base of the sauce, infusing it with flavor and making everything deliciously creamy.

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – These tiny flakes bring a gentle warmth, making the dish exciting without overwhelming your taste buds.

3 small cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic provides that essential aromatic punch that dances with the butter; it’s the life of the party.

1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed – A pinch here and there helps to bring out all the flavors without overshadowing the delicate clams.

1 cup dry white wine – This not only adds an elegant note but also brings out the sweetness of the clams, elevating the dish to new heights.

4 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed – Opt for the littleneck variety for their sweet, tender meat; ensure they’re scrubbed clean to avoid any gritty surprises.

Juice of 1 medium lemon – Freshly squeezed lemon brightens the dish and balances the richness of the garlic butter.

Freshly ground black pepper – A sprinkling of this seasoning adds a delightful kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

1 cup fresh basil or parsley leaves and fine stems, thinly sliced – This bright herb finish not only adds color but also a fresh, earthy punch that rounds out the dish perfectly.

1 medium lemon, cut into wedges – These wedges are perfect for squeezing over the clams right before diving in.

Sliced crusty bread, such as ciabatta – The perfect vessel for soaking up all that garlicky goodness; you won’t want to waste a drop of the flavorful broth.

How to Make Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams:

Step 1: Melt the Butter
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot, Dutch oven, or wide skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. As the butter begins to foam, add the red pepper flakes, garlic, and salt. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but don’t let the garlic burn.

Step 2: Add the Wine
Pour in the cup of dry white wine and crank up the heat a bit until it comes to a gentle simmer, avoiding a full rolling boil that could alter the wine’s lovely flavor.

Step 3: Introduce the Clams
Once simmering, add the scrubbed clams to the pot. Cover it up tight, adjusting the heat to keep a simmer going. Cook until the clams open up, which should take around 6 to 9 minutes depending on their size. Give the pot a good shake halfway through to ensure even cooking. You can toss any clams that stubbornly refuse to open.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Herbs
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Top with most of the sliced basil or parsley, saving a bit for garnish.

Step 5: Serve It Up
Ladle the fragrant clams and broth into bowls, pouring the remaining liquid over them. Sprinkle the rest of the herbs on top, and serve alongside lemon wedges and crusty bread for the ultimate dipping experience.

Step 6: Enjoy
Gather around the table, dig in, and enjoy every morsel. Don’t forget to keep the wine flowing; it’s part of the magic!

Dive deep into these Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams, and savor every buttery, garlicky bite—your taste buds will thank you. Whether you’re impressing friends or indulging in a solo dinner, this recipe will soon become a beloved go-to. Enjoy!

Perfecting Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams Cooking Process

The key to mastering the Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams is to start with melting the butter first, then sautéing the garlic and spices, followed by adding wine and clams. The final touches with lemon and herbs ensure perfect flavor while maintaining tenderness.

Add Your Touch to Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams

Get creative with your version of Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams by swapping the clams for mussels or shrimp. Add a splash of chili oil for extra heat, or sprinkle with crispy bacon for a rich twist on flavor.

Storing & Reheating Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams

To store leftover Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water for moisture.

Creating the Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams brings me back to a lovely summer evening when I whipped up a batch for friends. Everyone’s eyes lit up as I set the steaming pot on the table, and the sound of clam shells popping open was music to my ears!

FAQs About Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams

What is Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams?

Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams is a delightful seafood dish that combines the briny goodness of clams with a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe features fresh littleneck clams steamed in a mixture of white wine, garlic, and spices, creating an aromatic and flavorful experience. With a quick cooking time of just 20 minutes, you can impress your guests with a restaurant-quality meal that is surprisingly simple to prepare. This dish is perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy dinner at home or a celebratory feast with friends.

How do I prepare Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams?

To prepare Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams, start by melting butter in a large pot, adding garlic and red pepper flakes for flavor. After a brief sauté, pour in dry white wine and bring it to a simmer. Next, add the scrubbed clams and cover the pot. Steam them until they open, which usually takes about 6 to 9 minutes. Finally, add fresh lemon juice and sprinkle herbs on top before serving with crunchy bread for dipping. Polishing off this dish will surely leave your guests satisfied!

What should I serve with Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams?

Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, like ciabatta, for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce. A crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables enhances the meal while providing a balance of textures. For a complete dining experience, consider chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon as a refreshing accompaniment. This dish can also serve as an elegant appetizer before a hearty meal, making it incredibly versatile for any gathering.

Can I store leftovers of Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams?

Yes, you can store leftovers of Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams! Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. While the clams can be reheated, keep in mind that they are best enjoyed fresh, as long reheating times might affect their texture. Enjoy the wonderful flavors again soon!

Conclusion for Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams

In conclusion, the Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams recipe is a perfect combination of simplicity and elegance, making it an ideal choice for any seafood lover. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can create a dish that truly shines at any table. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe ensures a delightful experience that will have everyone asking for more. Don’t forget to pair it with some crusty bread and your favorite wine for the ultimate dining pleasure!

Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams

This Best Ever Garlic Butter Steamed Clams recipe is a delightful seafood dish that highlights clams in a rich garlic butter sauce, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 clams

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Seafood

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 small cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt plus more as needed
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 4 pounds littleneck clams scrubbed
• 1 medium lemon juiced
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup fresh basil or parsley leaves and fine stems thinly sliced
• 1 medium lemon cut into wedges
• sliced crusty bread such as ciabatta

Equipment

• large pot
• Dutch oven
• wide skillet

Method

 

1. Melt the butter in a large pot, Dutch oven or wide skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add the pepper flakes, garlic, and salt, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Pour in the wine and raise the heat until it comes to a simmer (avoid a boil).
3. Add the clams, cover, and adjust heat to maintain an active simmer. Cook until the majority of the clams open, about 6 to 9 minutes depending on the size of the clams. Give the pot a good shake about halfway through to move the clams around. Discard any that don’t open.
4. Remove from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then top with most of the herbs.
5. Ladle the clams into bowls. Pour the remaining liquid over the clams and sprinkle with the remaining herbs. Serve with lemon wedges, crusty bread, and the remainder of the wine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving

Notes

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for any occasion and can easily be adjusted with different seafood options.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!