Description
Garlic Butter Clams with Cream Sauce is a savory seafood dish featuring tender little neck clams cooked in a rich garlic butter and creamy sauce infused with shallots, clam juice, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Perfect as a comforting appetizer or main course, this recipe blends delicate flavors with fresh herbs for a satisfying and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Clams and Broth
- 3 pounds little neck clams
- 1 cup clam juice
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium shallots, diced
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Soak Clams: Place the little neck clams in cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes to expel any sand. After soaking, drain the clams thoroughly.
- Cook Aromatics: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic, diced shallots, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and cook while stirring frequently until the mixture is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add Clam Juice: Pour in the clam juice and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it slightly reduces, around 1 to 2 minutes.
- Steam Clams: Stir in the drained clams and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once during cooking, until the clams open. Discard any clams that remain closed.
- Add Cream and Season: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Serve: Immediately serve the clams and sauce garnished with chopped fresh parsley and chives for a burst of fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to discard any clams that do not open after cooking, as they may not be safe to eat.
- Soaking clams helps remove grit and sand to ensure a clean, pleasant texture.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the seasoning of the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
