Are you craving a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion? Look no further! These baked stuffed clams are a delightful coastal treat, bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a healthy and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to savor the taste of the ocean in every bite!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Adjust accordingly for your needs.
- Clams: 2 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed thoroughly.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (½ stick), unsalted.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Shallots: 2, finely chopped.
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup, fresh breadcrumbs preferred.
- Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.
- Bacon: 4 slices, cooked and crumbled (optional, for extra richness).
- White Wine: ¼ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio).
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup.
Instructions:
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Prepare the Clams: Carefully scrub the clams under cold running water to remove any sand or debris. Discard any clams that are open and don't close when tapped. Steam the clams until they open, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any that remain closed. Remove the clams from their shells, reserving the bottom shell for stuffing. Roughly chop the clam meat.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Combine the Filling: Add the chopped clam meat, cooked and crumbled bacon (if using), breadcrumbs, parsley, white wine, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and the breadcrumbs are slightly softened.
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Stuff the Clams: Spoon the clam filling evenly into the reserved clam shells. Top each stuffed clam with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese.
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Bake: Arrange the stuffed clams in a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Tips for the Best Baked Stuffed Clams:
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your dish.
- Don't Overcrowd: Make sure the clams aren't overcrowded in the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations:
- Spicy Clams: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicier kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or chives.
- Cheese Variations: Try using different cheeses like Asiago or Romano instead of Parmesan.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This recipe offers a delicious and relatively healthy meal option, perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful baked stuffed clams! They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're serving them for a casual weeknight meal or a more elegant gathering. This simple yet impressive recipe makes a delicious and satisfying addition to your repertoire of best recipes.