Creamy Garlic Butter Clams (Full Recipe)

Yield

• 2–3 servings

Total Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Main

• 1 kg fresh clams (cleaned & soaked)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce

• 100ml white wine
• 150ml heavy cream
• 50ml seafood stock (optional but better)
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt & black pepper

Finish

• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Clean the Clams

• Soak in salted water for 20–30 mins
• Rinse well

👉 Removes sand (super important)

Step 2: Build the Base

• Melt butter in a large pan
• Add garlic → sauté until fragrant

Step 3: Add Clams + Wine

• Add clams + white wine
• Cover and cook 5–7 minutes

👉 Clams should open (discard any that don’t)

Step 4: Make it Creamy

• Add cream + stock
• Simmer gently 2–3 minutes
• Add chili flakes, salt, pepper

Step 5: Finish

• Add lemon juice + parsley
• Stir gently

Flavor Profile

• Rich, creamy, buttery
• Garlic-forward
• Slight acidity from wine + lemon
• Briny sweetness from clams

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook → clams get tough fast
• Use fresh clams only (no smell = good)
• Serve immediately for best texture

How to Serve

• With toasted bread (mandatory for sauce 😏)
• Over pasta
• With rice

Variations

• Add bacon for smoky flavor
• Add chili oil for more heat
• Swap cream → coconut milk for lighter version