Beer Steamed Clams with Bacon and Shallots
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5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
Beer Steamed Clams with Bacon and Shallots
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Hard shell clams steamed in an aromatic mixture of bacon, beer, shallots, and herbs. A great appetizer or light meal for summer entertaining!
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Ingredients
- 3 pounds small hard shell clams, such as littlenecks (about 30-36 clams), cleaned and purged (see notes)
- 4 lices Bacon 4 ounces, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1/2 cup shallots , chopped
- 2 garlic cloves , chopped
- 12 ounce bottle pale lager (nothing too bitter)
- 2 small sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- cracked black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- grilled baguette slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Clean and purge clams using the instructions in my Fresh Clams Guide. Cultivated clams should only need one, 20 minute, soaking. Discard any clams that are chipped, don’t close when you gently tap them on the counter, or float when you soak them.
- Add bacon to a cold, heavy-bottomed pot, place over medium-high heat, and cook until just starting to brown. Add shallots and a few grinds of black pepper and continue cooking until shallots are softened and bacon is lightly crisped. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour the lager into the pot and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Add clams and thyme sprigs, cover, reduce heat and steam for 5-10 minutes (depending on variety), gently shaking the pan a few times, until clams have opened. (I start checking a few minutes early and remove them as they open to avoid overcooking.)
- If some of the clams don’t open, cover and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, checking them often. Discard any clams that haven't opened after this time.
- Place clams on a serving platter and pour about half of the steaming liquid over them. Sprinkle with parsley. Pour the remaining liquid in a bowl for dipping. Serve with lemon wedges and grilled bread.
Notes
- You can substitute soft shell steamers for the hard shell clams in this recipe but bear in mind that a.) they will likely need a longer soaking time to purge them of their sand, and b.) they will steam in less time, closer to 3-5 minutes since their shells are thinner.
- An equal quantity of Manila clams can also be used, and they will also require a shorter steaming time.
- Slice a baguette on the bias into long, 1-inch wide slices. Brush with olive oil and grill over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side, until toasted and lightly charred in areas. Watch it carefully - the bread will burn quickly!
Nutrition Information
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Calories
176kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
6g
(2%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Cholesterol
30mg
(10%)
Sodium
457mg
(19%)
Potassium
101mg
(3%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
320IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
3.1mg
(3%)
Calcium
29mg
(3%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 176 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 176kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 457mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 101mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 320IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 3.1mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
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