An Exotic and Addictive Stir-Fried Clam Recipe: A Must-Try Delicacy
#HowToMakeStirFriedClams #EasyAndSimpleStirFriedClamsThatEvenCilantroHatersWillLove!!!
This stir-fried clam dish has an exotic flair, reminiscent of both Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines. Its unique, addictive flavor profile will have you reaching for more.
Ingredients- 3 bowls of clams (approx. 3 cups)
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 1 stalk of green onion
- 5 bird’s eye chilies (or dried red chilies)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro (adjust to taste)
- 1 green chili (e.g., Korean Cheongyang chili)
- 1 tsp ginger powder (or 1/2 tsp minced fresh ginger)
- 2 Tbsp rice wine (or cooking sake)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the clams. Place the clams in a bowl of cold water and scrub them vigorously with your hands to remove any dirt or debris. This step ensures clean shells. Then, rinse them thoroughly and soak them again in fresh cold water. Keep them in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours to purge any sand or grit. This ‘purging’ or ‘de-gritting’ process is crucial for a pleasant texture.
Step 2
As the clams are almost done purging, it’s time to prepare for stir-frying. The ingredients are quite straightforward. Heat a moderate amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced garlic (garlic slices) and roughly chopped green onions. Sauté them until fragrant, infusing the oil with their aroma.
Step 3
Drain the purged clams well. It’s important to remove as much excess water as possible, as this can cause splattering when stir-frying and affect the final texture of the dish.
Step 4
Prepare the green chili (like a Korean Cheongyang chili) for a touch of heat. Wash it, remove the seeds if you prefer less spice, and thinly slice it. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Step 5
Fresh cilantro adds a distinctive, exotic flavor to this dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to omit it. However, adding cilantro truly elevates the stir-fried clams with a unique, international taste. Wash the cilantro and chop it into roughly 2-3 cm lengths. Cutting it into larger pieces retains a pleasant texture rather than mincing it too finely.
Step 6
To the pan with the sautéing garlic and green onions, add the bird’s eye chilies (or dried red chilies) and ginger powder. Stir-fry them together briefly. You can break the chilies or add them whole. If using fresh ginger, mince it finely before adding. This step further enhances the aromatic complexity of the dish.
Step 7
Increase the heat to high. Once the oil in the pan is hot, add all the aromatics and chilies and stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. This rapid stir-frying helps release the pungent aroma of the garlic, green onion, and chilies without burning them.
Step 8
When the aromatics are fragrant, pour the soy sauce along the sides of the pan. This allows the soy sauce to caramelize slightly, imparting a smoky ‘wok hei’ flavor and enhancing the overall savory taste. Stir everything together and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 9
Now, add the drained clams to the pan and stir-fry them with the other ingredients. Cooking over high heat ensures the clams cook quickly, remaining tender and succulent rather than becoming tough.
Step 10
To eliminate any potential ‘fishy’ smell from the clams and to add another layer of flavor, pour in the rice wine. Continue to stir-fry over high heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until the clams have opened wide.
Step 11
As the clams begin to open, taste the broth. If the seasoning is not quite right, add a tiny pinch of salt to adjust. Finish with a light sprinkle of black pepper for an extra touch of flavor.
Step 12
Finally, add the sliced green chili and the roughly chopped cilantro. Toss everything together gently for about 30 seconds, just enough to combine. The cilantro’s fresh aroma will meld beautifully with the other flavors, completing the dish.
Step 13
And there you have it! Your delicious stir-fried clams are ready. Simply plate them attractively. This dish offers an exotic aroma and a delightful spicy kick, making it a perfect accompaniment to rice or a fantastic appetizer with drinks. Enjoy this unique culinary experience!
