Savory Korean-Style Steamed Clams
Perfect for outdoor gatherings or cozy home dinners, these Savory Korean-Style Steamed Clams bring a delightful twist to traditional clam dishes. Fresh littleneck clams are steamed to perfection, allowing their briny flavors to shine. Dressed with a zesty sauce made from low sodium soy, sesame oil, garlic, and jalapeño, each clam is a burst of umami and heat. This appetizer is not only fun to prepare but also offers a unique culinary experience, especially if you're lucky enough to dig the clams yourself! Serve them warm or allow them to cool to room temperature for a refreshing treat. Ideal for picnic outings or casual family meals, enjoy these clams as a flavorful snack or light lunch.
N/A
Servings
15
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
littleneck clams
24 (cleaned and scrubbed)
low sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
sesame oil
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
garlic
3 cloves (chopped)
scallions
2 (chopped)
ground toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
jalapeno peppers
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by cleaning the clams under cold running water, scrubbing them gently to remove any grit. Discard clams that do not close when tapped gently.
2
In a large pot, bring 1 cup of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the clams in a single layer and cover the pot. Steam the clams for about 6 minutes or until they have opened. Discard any clams that remain closed.
3
While the clams steam, prepare the sauce by whisking together the low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped garlic, scallions, ground toasted sesame seeds, sugar, and finely chopped jalapeño in a bowl.
4
Once the clams are done, carefully remove them from the pot and place them on a plate to drain. For each clam, remove one side of the shell, leaving the clam in its half shell. Use a knife to gently loosen the clam from the shell.
5
Drizzle a small amount of the prepared sauce over each steamed clam, allowing the flavorful mixture to seep in. You can serve the clams immediately or keep them chilled in the refrigerator if you prefer them cold.
Nutrition Information
0.6
Fat
0.8
Carbs
1.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Korean-Style Steamed Clams?
They are a seafood appetizer featuring fresh littleneck clams steamed and dressed with a zesty sauce made from soy, sesame oil, garlic, and jalapeño.
What type of clams are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 24 littleneck clams.
How should I clean the clams before cooking?
Clean the clams under cold running water and scrub them gently to remove any grit.
What should I do with clams that do not close when tapped?
You should discard any clams that do not close when tapped gently before cooking.
How much water is needed to steam the clams?
You should use 1 cup of salted water brought to a rolling boil.
How long should the clams be steamed?
Steam the clams for approximately 6 minutes or until they have opened.
What if a clam remains closed after steaming?
Any clams that remain closed after the 6-minute steaming process should be discarded.
What ingredients are in the sauce?
The sauce consists of low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, scallions, ground toasted sesame seeds, sugar, and jalapeño.
Is this recipe considered low sodium?
The recipe uses low sodium soy sauce and is tagged as a low sodium dish.
Are these clams spicy?
Yes, the inclusion of 2 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeño peppers adds a burst of heat.
How should the clams be prepared for serving?
Remove one side of the shell, leave the clam in the half shell, and use a knife to gently loosen the meat.
Can these clams be served cold?
Yes, they can be served warm immediately or chilled in the refrigerator to be enjoyed cold.
How many calories are in this dish?
There are 15 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 0.6 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the steamed clams?
There are 0.8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides 1.25 grams of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is tagged as picnic food and is ideal for outdoor gatherings.
What kind of oil is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of sesame oil.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, chopped.
What is the role of sesame seeds in this dish?
One tablespoon of ground toasted sesame seeds is whisked into the sauce for flavor and texture.
How many scallions should I use?
Use 2 chopped scallions for the sauce mixture.
Is sugar used in this savory dish?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sugar is added to the sauce to balance the flavors.
How should the jalapeños be prepared?
The jalapeño peppers should be finely chopped.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can this be eaten as a light lunch?
Yes, the recipe is suitable for a light lunch or a flavorful snack.
How should the clams be arranged in the pot?
The clams should be placed in a single layer in the pot for even steaming.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a mix of briny seafood flavors with umami from the soy and sesame, and heat from the peppers.
How is the sauce applied to the clams?
A small amount of sauce should be drizzled over each clam while it is in its half shell.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no significant fiber content.
What equipment is needed for steaming?
A large pot with a lid is required to bring the water to a boil and steam the clams.