Are you craving a delicious, yet easy seafood dinner that’s sure to impress? Look no further! This recipe for stuffed clams delivers a burst of fresh, savory flavors in every bite. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, these stuffed clams are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Clams
- Gently scrub the clams under cold running water to remove any sand or debris. Use a stiff brush if needed.
- Place the clams in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to purge any remaining sand. This step is crucial for a cleaner, more enjoyable eating experience.
Step 2: Making the Stuffing
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and celery and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. If using, stir in the white wine.
Step 3: Stuffing the Clams
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully pry open the clams using a clam knife or a sturdy knife. Discard any clams that don't open easily.
- Gently remove the top shell and discard. Spoon the stuffing evenly into the bottom shells, filling them generously.
- Arrange the stuffed clams in a baking dish.
Step 4: Baking the Clams
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the clams are heated through and the stuffing is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Clams:
- For extra flavor, use a combination of breadcrumbs – panko and regular breadcrumbs work well together.
- Don't overstuff the clams; it can prevent them from baking properly.
- If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or clam juice for extra seafood flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing.
Variations:
- Bacon Stuffed Clams: Add 1/4 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon to the stuffing for a smoky, savory twist.
- Spicy Stuffed Clams: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the stuffing.
- Cheesy Stuffed Clams: Increase the Parmesan cheese to 1/3 cup for an extra cheesy treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy stuffed clams recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a delicious dish that showcases fresh, high-quality ingredients and requires minimal effort. Enjoy this amazing taste of the sea!