Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/9 checked
2
servings
0.5 pound

Littleneck clams

live, in the shell

1 tsp

sea salt

3 tbsp

olive oil

0.5 unit

lemon

1 tbsp

cilantro

chopped

1 pinch

black pepper

freshly ground

1 unit

lemon

quartered

4 cloves

garlic

sliced thin

0.5 unit

butter

a stick of

Step 1
~20 min

Scrub the clams under cold running water, discarding any that do not close when tapped.

Step 2
~20 min

Soak the clams in cold, salted water for 3 hours to remove sand.

Step 3
~20 min

Rinse and dry the clams thoroughly.

Step 4
~20 min

Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 5
~20 min

Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.

Step 6
~20 min

Add the clams to the pan, cover, and cook for 4-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the clams open.

Step 7
~20 min

Pour lemon juice over the clams and stir to mix with the sauce.

Step 8
~20 min

Sprinkle with cilantro and black pepper, if desired, and stir again.

Step 9
~20 min

Immediately pour the clams and sauce into a serving bowl.

Step 10
~20 min

For any clams that have not opened, return them to the pot on low heat, covered, for a few more minutes. Discard any that do not open.

Step 11
~20 min

Serve with bread to enjoy the sauce.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Ensure clams are fresh and alive before cooking.

Do not overcook the clams to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Not Ideal
Make Ahead

Clams can be soaked ahead of time.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
High (Garlic and Seafood)
Noise Level
Medium (Clams popping)
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Pair with a simple salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Crusty Bread
Simple Green Salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Portugal

Cultural Significance

Popular seafood dish in Portuguese cuisine.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas Eve
Summer Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Dinner Party
Appetizer
Casual Gathering

Popularity Score

70/100

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