Savory Beer-Steamed Clams with Fresh Herbs
Indulge in the delightful flavors of beer-steamed clams, a perfect seafood dish featuring littlenecks, countnecks, or Manila clams. This recipe infuses the briny sweetness of clams with the rich notes of beer, aromatic bay leaves, and a medley of spices, creating a broth that is simply irresistible. Serve these flavorful clams in shallow bowls with warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop of the savory broth. Ideal for seafood lovers looking for a refined yet easy dish to impress at any gathering or family meal, this recipe serves eight and is a tasty addition to your low-carb meal repertoire.
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
beer
2 cups (frozen or chilled, as desired)
bay leaves
2 (broken in half)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
mustard seeds
1 teaspoon (crushed)
coriander seed
1 teaspoon (crushed)
cayenne pepper
1 dash (to taste)
littleneck clams
4 dozen (washed and beards removed)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the spices: Crush the mustard seeds and coriander seeds lightly using a mortar and pestle, or seal them in a heavy plastic bag and gently crush with a mallet or rolling pin.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, bring the beer to a boil over medium heat.
3
Add the broken bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning, crushed mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and a dash of cayenne pepper to the boiling beer.
4
Carefully add the cleaned littleneck clams to the pot.
5
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam the clams for 3-6 minutes, stirring gently once or twice to ensure even cooking, until the clams have opened.
6
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and discard any clams that remain closed, as they are not safe to eat.
7
To serve, ladle the clams along with the broth into shallow bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
0.5
Fat
1.5
Carbs
5.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beer-Steamed Clams with Fresh Herbs?
It is a delightful seafood dish featuring clams like littlenecks or Manila clams infused with the briny sweetness of seafood, rich beer notes, aromatic bay leaves, and spices.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve eight people.
What types of clams can I use for this recipe?
You can use littlenecks, countnecks, or Manila clams for this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, with only 1.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it is an excellent addition to a low-carb meal repertoire.
How many calories are in one serving of beer-steamed clams?
Each serving contains approximately 40 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 5.25 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this clam dish?
This recipe is very low in fat, containing only 0.5 grams per serving.
How many clams are needed in total?
You will need 4 dozen littleneck clams for this recipe.
How should I prepare the clams before cooking?
The clams should be washed and have their beards removed before they are added to the pot.
What should I do with clams that do not open after steaming?
Any clams that remain closed after steaming should be discarded as they are not safe to eat.
How do I prepare the mustard and coriander seeds?
Lightly crush the mustard and coriander seeds using a mortar and pestle, or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a mallet or rolling pin.
What type of pot is best for steaming the clams?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot is recommended for even heating and steaming.
How much beer is required for the steaming broth?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of beer.
How long do the clams need to steam?
The clams typically take between 3 to 6 minutes to steam until they have opened.
What spices are used in the broth?
The broth is flavored with broken bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning, crushed mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
Should the pot be covered while the clams cook?
Yes, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure the clams steam properly.
How often should I stir the clams while they are steaming?
You should stir the clams gently once or twice during the 3-6 minute steaming period to ensure even cooking.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
Garnish the finished clams with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
What is the best way to serve these clams?
Ladle the clams and the savory broth into shallow bowls.
What side dish is recommended to accompany the clams?
Warm, crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the flavorful beer and spice broth.
How many bay leaves are used in this recipe?
Two bay leaves, broken in half, are used for the broth.
Does the recipe require a specific type of parsley?
The recipe specifies using fresh parsley, chopped for garnishing.
Is there a specific way the beer should be prepared?
The beer can be frozen or chilled as desired before starting the recipe.
How much Old Bay Seasoning is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground Old Bay Seasoning.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper to taste depending on your spice preference.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this dish considered an appetizer or a main meal?
While it can be served as a main meal for a low-carb diet, it is also tagged as an appetizer and is great for entertaining.
How much mustard seed is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of crushed mustard seeds.
How much coriander seed is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds.
What makes the broth 'soupy'?
The combination of 2 cups of beer and the natural juices released by the 4 dozen clams creates a flavorful, soupy broth.