Easy Garlic Butter Clams in Just 10 Minutes!
This Garlic Butter Clams recipe is a delightful combination of elegance and simplicity, offering a quick and delicious way to impress your loved ones. Tender little neck clams are simmered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with white wine, creating a dish that feels luxurious yet is ready in just 10 minutes. Fresh Italian parsley adds a bright, herbal touch, while toasted hoagie rolls provide a satisfying crunch and the perfect way to savor every drop of the flavorful broth. Plan a special celebration or a casual weeknight dinner, and this recipe will impress every time.
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Clams
Enhance your dining experience with these thoughtful pairings, elevating your Garlic Butter Clams to restaurant-quality perfection.
- Wine Pairings
- Sauvignon Blanc: Herbaceous and citrusy, it enhances the garlic, butter, and parsley flavors.
- Pinot Grigio: Light and fruity, it balances the richness of garlic butter clams without overpowering it.
- Non-Alcoholic Options
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: Refreshes the palate and complements the clams’ delicate flavors.
- Light, Zesty Mocktail: Adds a refreshing touch and pairs beautifully with the dish.
- Side Dish Ideas
- Mixed Greens Salad with Vinaigrette: A tangy, refreshing balance to the rich broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes add caramelized sweetness and vibrant color.
- Toasted Hoagie Rolls: Essential for soaking up the buttery sauce and adding a satisfying crunch.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Clams
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The garlicky, buttery sauce and tender clams make this a dish that’s hard to resist.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a seafood masterpiece.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Clams recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that blends rich flavors, quick preparation, and endless versatility. Whether you pair it with a crisp white wine, a vibrant salad, or simply toasted hoagie rolls, this dish brings the taste of the sea to your table in minutes. Perfect for any occasion, from an intimate dinner for two to a celebratory feast, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. Try it today, and elevate your dining experience to something truly unforgettable!
10-Minute Garlic Butter Clams | Quick & Delicious Seafood Dish
Equipment
- 1 large skillet with a lid
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 shallot diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 pounds little neck clams
- 2 tablespoons Italian parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 4 toasted hoagie roll slices (one slice per serving)
- 1 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste Skip the salt if clams were purged in salt water.
Instructions
Prep Your Clams
- Rinse the clams thoroughly under cold water, discarding any with cracked shells or those that don’t close when tapped.
- If the clams haven’t been purged, soak them in salted water for 20-30 minutes to remove any sand (refer to the notes below). Rinse again after soaking.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the butter and stir until melted.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
Steam the Clams
- Add the clams and white wine to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Season with pepper to taste. Use caution when adding salt, as the clams may already provide enough.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and steam the clams for about 5 minutes, or until they open.
Finish with Herbs
- Lower the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Steam for 1 minute to soften the parsley.
Serve and Enjoy
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Spoon the clams and broth into a serving dish and serve with toasted hoagie rolls, perfect for dipping into the luxurious sauce.
Video
Notes
Preparing Clams the Right Way
-
Select Fresh Clams
- Choose clams with tightly closed shells; discard any cracked or open ones.
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Purge Sand and Grit
- Soak clams in cold, salted water (2-3 teaspoons salt per quart) for 20-30 minutes. Rinse under cold water.
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Clean the Shells
- Scrub shells under running water to remove dirt and debris.
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Check Before Cooking
- Discard clams that remain open, have cracked shells, or smell off.
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Cook Immediately
- Cook fresh clams within a day. Steam or sauté for 3-5 minutes until they open. Discard any that don’t open.