Best 5 Middleneck Clams Best Recipes

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**Middleneck Clams: A Culinary Delight Explored Through Five Enticing Recipes**

Middleneck clams, known for their briny sweetness and tender texture, are a versatile seafood delicacy that have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. This comprehensive guide delves into the culinary wonders of middleneck clams, presenting five delectable recipes that showcase their unique flavors and textures. From classic steamed clams to creative chowders and flavorful pasta dishes, this collection offers a diverse range of culinary experiences that highlight the versatility of this exceptional ingredient. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking new culinary adventures, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, embark on this culinary journey and discover the endless possibilities that middleneck clams have to offer.

**Recipes:**

**1. Steamed Middleneck Clams in Garlic Butter:**

Simplicity meets flavor in this classic recipe. Fresh middleneck clams are steamed to perfection in a savory broth infused with garlic, butter, white wine, and a touch of herbs. The result is a tender, succulent dish that embodies the essence of coastal cuisine.

**2. Middleneck Clam Chowder:**

Indulge in the comforting warmth of this New England-inspired chowder. Tender clams, diced potatoes, and fresh vegetables simmer in a creamy broth, creating a hearty and flavorful soup that's perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings.

**3. Baked Middleneck Clams Casino:**

Experience the decadence of this classic casino-style preparation. Clams are topped with a mixture of bread crumbs, bacon, bell peppers, and cheese, then baked until golden brown. The result is a savory and indulgent dish that's sure to impress your guests.

**4. Linguine with Middleneck Clam Sauce:**

Savor the harmonious blend of flavors in this pasta dish. Fresh clams are sautéed with garlic, white wine, and herbs, then tossed with linguine pasta. The briny essence of the clams infuses the sauce, creating a light and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

**5. Middleneck Clam Stir-Fry:**

Embark on a culinary adventure with this Asian-inspired stir-fry. Clams are stir-fried with vegetables, ginger, garlic, and a savory sauce, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful dish that's sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

BUTTERY GARLIC STEAMED CLAMS



Buttery Garlic Steamed Clams image

Just 15 minutes is all you need for these steamed clams in a velvety, buttery garlic wine sauce!

Provided by Amy

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

5 tablespoons Finlandia Unsalted Butter, divided
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
1 cup white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 dozen little neck clams, rinsed and scrubbed
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Wedges from 1 lemon for garnish, if desired

Steps:

  • In a large skillet (that has a lid), melt 2-1/2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  • Add wine and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
  • Add clams and remaining butter. Cover and steam until clams have opened (about 7-8 minutes). Occasionally shake skillet while steaming.
  • Discard any clams that do not open. Sprinkle evenly with parsley and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired. Serve with a french baguette or over a bed of cooked pasta.

STEAMED CLAMS



Steamed Clams image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 dozen fresh clams (littlenecks or middlenecks, your choice)
3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup white wine
2 cups clam juice or water
Chopped parsley leaves
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)

Steps:

  • Wash the clams thoroughly and remove any blemishes. They should have no odor. Heat oil in a large saucepan (with a cover) over medium heat and cook garlic and onion until translucent. Add the wine and let cook for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors. Add the clams and clam juice (or water) and cover the pan for about 10 minutes until the clams open. Discard any clams that do not open and remove clams to serving bowls. Season the juices in the pan with salt and pepper to make a sauce. Pour the sauce and melted butter over the clams.

SCOTT URE'S CLAMS AND GARLIC



Scott Ure's Clams And Garlic image

So simple, but so good - steamed clams served in their own liquor. Serve with a crusty Italian bread, or over pasta.

Provided by Scott Ure

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Seafood Main Dish Recipes     Clams

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

50 small clams in shell, scrubbed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white wine
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Wash clams to remove any dirt or sand.
  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic; saute for 1 minute, or until tender. Pour in the white wine. Boil until wine has reduced to half its original volume.
  • Add clams, cover, and steam till clams start to open. Add butter, cover, and cook till most or all of the clams open. Discard any that do not open. Transfer clams and juice to 2 large bowls. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191.5 calories, Carbohydrate 4.3 g, Cholesterol 24 mg, Fat 12.8 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 63.5 mg, Sugar 1 g

STEAMED CLAMS



Steamed Clams image

The recipe that follows is for a mess of clams, which on the eastern end of Long Island translates as a cool 100 littleneck hard-shell clams. You can certainly cook fewer of them, particularly if all you can find is the larger cherrystone clam, but a reasonable human can eat two dozen clams at a sitting, mopping up the broth with crusty bread. You can add herbs or other aromatics to the steaming liquid (thyme or garlic, say, or cilantro, parsley, tarragon). You can add chorizo or bacon. The point is just to create steam, and to allow the clams to open within it. Eat the clams with the liquid from the interior of their shells, and perhaps some melted butter. A fiery jalapeño brown butter is currently a favorite dip.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, quick, main course

Time 10m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

100 littleneck clams
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup diced chorizo or bacon, optional
2 cups beer, approximately 1 can or bottle

Steps:

  • Carefully scrub the clams under cold running water to remove sand and grit, then set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a large pot set over medium heat, and when it foams, add the chorizo or bacon, and allow it to crisp, stirring occasionally, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Add the beer to the pot (use just 1 cup if cooking 50 or fewer clams), and allow to heat through, then carefully add the clams in layers. Cover the pot, and allow the clams to steam and open, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Serve in the pot, or use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove clams to a platter, and serve alongside a bowl of the remaining clam broth and melted butter.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 155, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 7 grams, Fat 3 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 874 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams

GRILLED CLAMS WITH LEMON-CAYENNE BUTTER



Grilled Clams With Lemon-Cayenne Butter image

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, main course

Time 2m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 large garlic clove, minced
Large pinch kosher salt, more to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, more to taste
Pinch cayenne pepper
2 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed
Chopped fresh chives, for serving

Steps:

  • Using a mortar and pestle, or on a cutting board using flat part of a knife, mash together garlic and salt until a paste forms. Scrape paste into a small bowl and stir in butter, lemon juice and cayenne. Taste and make sure salt and lemon are balanced.
  • Preheat grill. Place clams directly on grill grate or on a large baking pan in a single layer. Cover grill and let clams cook for 2 minutes. Open grill and check clams, using tongs to remove any that have opened, and transfer them to a large bowl. Be careful not to spill clams' juices when transferring them. Close grill lid and check every 30 seconds, removing clams as they open.
  • Pour lemon-cayenne butter over clam bowl and toss lightly. Serve hot, garnished with chives.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 359, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 1049 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 1 gram

Tips:

- Choose high-quality clams: Look for clams that are heavy for their size, have tightly closed shells, and no cracks or chips. - Clean the clams thoroughly: Scrub the clams with a stiff brush under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. - Use a large pot: The clams will release a lot of liquid as they cook, so make sure to use a large pot to prevent them from boiling over. - Season the clams simply: The natural flavor of the clams is delicate, so don't overpower them with too many seasonings. A simple combination of garlic, butter, and white wine is all you need. - Don't overcook the clams: Clams are quick to cook, so be careful not to overcook them or they will become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until the shells open, which should take about 5-7 minutes. - Serve the clams immediately: Clams are best served hot, so make sure to serve them immediately after cooking.

Conclusion:

Middleneck clams are a delicious and versatile seafood that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Steaming, sautéing, and grilling are all great methods for cooking middleneck clams. With their delicate flavor and tender texture, middleneck clams are sure to please everyone at your table.

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