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5.0 from 6 votes

Steamed Clams with Thai Basil and Lemongrass

This Steamed clams with Thai basil and lemongrass is super quick and easy to make with minimal prepping. It is packed with delicious flavors and irresistible aromas.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 53 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lemongrass stalks
  • cooking oil
  • 5-6 garlic cloves, lightly smacked
  • 2 lbs clams, scrubbed
  • a pinch of salt, optional
  • 1 bird's-eye chili, thinly sliced, optional (or a pinch of red pepper flakes)
  • 2/3-3/4 cup packed Thai basil leaves (about 1-1.5 oz)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Discard the outer dry layer of lemongrass stalks and cut off the bottom bulb. Then slice them thinly on a bias.
  2. In a deep skillet (or a large pot) over medium heat, add cooking oil and sauté lemongrass and garlic cloves briefly until fragrant (about 30-45 seconds).
  3. Add clams to the skillet, then add a pinch of salt, chili (or red pepper flakes) if using and a couple tablespoons of water. Give everything a stir (you may need to raise the heat slightly), then cover and steam until the clams start to open, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the clams and once all the clams open up, add Thai basil leaves. Give everything another stir and turn off the heat right away. Transfer to serving plates and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Please adjust heat and cooking time as needed since not all stoves are the same and clams can come in different sizes. Try not to overcook clams or they will be rubbery instead of juicy and succulent.
  • If your clams have a lot of dirt, you may want to soak them in salt water to purge sand/dirt and scrub them before cooking.
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Nutrition Information

Calories 53kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 14mg (5%) Sodium 274mg (11%) Potassium 93mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 417IU (8%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 36mg (4%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 53

% Daily Value*

Calories 53kcal 3%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 14mg 5%
Sodium 274mg 11%
Potassium 93mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 417IU 8%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 36mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.