Garlic and White Wine Steamed Littleneck Clams
This irresistible dish originated from our dining experiences in Newport, RI, where we fell in love with the succulent taste of littleneck clams steamed with fragrant garlic and aromatic white wine. After enjoying it so often, the restaurant generously shared their recipe, allowing us to recreate this culinary delight in our own kitchen. The warm, garlicky broth is perfect for dipping with crusty bread, ensuring that no bit of flavor goes to waste. Easy to prepare and always impressive, this dish is now a staple in our household, bringing the essence of seaside dining right to our table. Perfect for date nights or cozy gatherings with friends, Garlic and White Wine Steamed Littleneck Clams will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Littleneck clams
36 (Cleaned and scrubbed)
Fresh garlic cloves
6-8 (Minced)
Thyme
2 teaspoons (Dried or fresh)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (To taste)
White wine
Approximately 1 cup (Dry white wine, enough to cover the clams halfway)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Instructions
1
In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, ensuring it lightly coats the bottom of the pan.
2
Add the minced garlic to the oil and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly softened, being careful not to let it brown.
3
Layer the littleneck clams in the skillet on top of the garlic, aiming for a single layer where possible. You can stack some on top if necessary.
4
Pour in enough white wine to just cover the clams halfway. This will create a steaming liquid for cooking.
5
Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes and thyme over the clams. Adjust the amount of red pepper to your desired spice level.
6
Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Steam the clams for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until all clams have opened.
7
Carefully transfer the opened clams and broth into a large serving bowl.
8
Serve immediately, with plenty of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious garlic and wine sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Garlic and White Wine Steamed Littleneck Clams, a seafood recipe featuring clams cooked in a garlicky wine broth.
How many clams are required for this recipe?
You will need 36 littleneck clams for this recipe.
How should the clams be prepared before cooking?
The clams should be cleaned and scrubbed thoroughly before you begin cooking.
What type of wine is recommended for steaming?
A dry white wine is recommended for this recipe.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 fresh garlic cloves, minced.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, you can use either 2 teaspoons of dried thyme or fresh thyme.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes, though you can adjust this to your spice level.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
You need 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until it is fragrant and slightly softened.
Should I let the garlic brown?
No, be careful not to let the garlic brown while sautéing.
How should the clams be arranged in the skillet?
Layer them in a single layer where possible, though you can stack some if necessary.
How much wine should I pour into the skillet?
Pour in enough white wine to cover the clams approximately halfway.
When do I add the red pepper flakes and thyme?
Sprinkle them over the clams after you have added the white wine.
At what heat level should the clams be steamed?
Increase the heat to medium-high once the skillet is covered.
How long does it take for the clams to steam?
Steaming typically takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
How do I know when the clams are done?
The clams are done once they have all opened.
What should I do after the clams open?
Carefully transfer the opened clams and the broth into a large serving bowl.
What is the best side dish for this meal?
Plenty of crusty bread is recommended for dipping into the garlic and wine sauce.
Where did this recipe originate?
The dish originated from dining experiences in Newport, RI.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as easy to prepare and always impressive.
Is this a low-carb dish?
Yes, according to the tags, this is a low-carb recipe.
Can I serve this for a date night?
Yes, it is described as perfect for date nights or cozy gatherings with friends.
What kind of seafood is used?
This recipe uses sustainable seafood in the form of littleneck clams.
What category of meal does this fall into?
It is categorized as a dinner and comfort food.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients.
Can I adjust the amount of wine?
The recipe suggests approximately 1 cup, or enough to reach the halfway point of the clams.
Is this a restaurant-style dish?
Yes, it is a restaurant-style recipe that was shared by a restaurant in Newport.
What is the purpose of the white wine?
The wine serves as the steaming liquid and provides the base for the aromatic broth.
Should the skillet be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the skillet tightly with a lid to ensure the clams steam properly.