Steamed Clams with Sake: A Delightful and Flavorful Seafood Dish
Easy and Delicious Steamed Clams with Sake Recipe
Today, I’m sharing a special recipe for ‘Steamed Clams with Sake,’ perfect when using freshly caught clams, which makes it even more delicious! This dish pairs wonderfully with drinks and is also a fantastic standalone meal. As long as you properly purge the clams to remove sand, you can easily create a delicious dish. Enjoy this delightful seafood treat at home!
Ingredients- Fresh clams (choose your favorite kind)
- 1 piece of butter (about 10g)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 chili pepper (e.g., jalapeño or regular green chili)
- 100ml soju (Korean rice wine, for removing fishiness and enhancing flavor)
- Water (enough to cover the clams)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thinly slice the garlic cloves and finely chop the chili pepper. Preparing the ingredients in advance will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chopped chili pepper, and sauté until fragrant. The rich butter aroma combined with garlic and chili creates a delicious base for the dish.
Step 3
While the aromatics are cooking, thoroughly rinse the clams under running water, gently rubbing them to remove any dirt or grit. Drain them well and set aside. (Tip: It’s recommended to purge the clams in salt water for at least an hour to ensure they expel any sand.)
Step 4
Once the garlic and chili have released their fragrance, add the cleaned clams to the pan and stir-fry them with the aromatics. The mild spiciness of the chili will help neutralize any fishy odor from the clams and add another layer of flavor.
Step 5
As the clams begin to open, carefully pour in 100ml of soju (to eliminate any fishy taste and add depth) and 1 cup of water. Ensure there’s enough liquid to keep the clams moist as they cook.
Step 6
Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until all the clams have fully opened. Once cooked, remove from heat. Optionally, sprinkle a little black pepper over the dish for a final touch. Serve immediately while hot!
