Garlic Steamed Clams are one of my very favorite ways to eat these sweet little sea treats.
Want to know something really really weird?
I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for 9 years now (minus the two that we spent in Michigan), and have never gone and dug clams.
We live in one of the richest areas in the world for fresh seafood, and I LOVE fresh seafood, yet I’ve never gone and harvested my very own clams.
I NEED to remedy that, and be sure that when I do – you guys will hear all about it. I’ve got a really great clam linguine in mind, or maybe my mother-in-law’s famous clam chowder recipe that is just clamoring for publication here on my little corner of the internet.
Even if you can’t actually go out and dig your own clams, if you can get your hands on fresh clams then by all means – DO IT! My husband stopped by a local market last night and picked up these, and made me my own little pre-Mother’s Day clamstravaganza for us.
I’ll be real here – clams are not the most attractive food there ever was. But oh man. If you like shellfish, there isn’t much that will beat the flavor of a freshly harvested clam in this awesome steaming liquid. I used some really great Roasted Garlic Grapeseed Oil that one of my favorite aunts sent to me to try out from WildTree.
Want some pasta to go with these clams? I’ve got you covered!
Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Meatball Stuffed Manicotti
Super Simple Herbed Marinara
Chicken and Zucchini Pasta Bake
BLT Bucatini Pasta Salad
Pepperoni Rotini Bake
Garlic Steamed Clams

Garlic steamed clams are a delicious appetizer, or make them a meal! Don't be intimidated by these delicious shellfish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup white wine
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons roasted garlic grapeseed oil (optional, but adds a lot of flavor!)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon old bay garlic and herb seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 leaves fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Bring everything minus the clams to a boil in a medium size pot, then add the clams and cover. Steam clams for 10 minutes. Throw away any unopened clams. Serve hot with some crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 112Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 747mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!

Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
Monday 11th of May 2015
I just love clams and your recipe looks great -- and looks easy to make, too! Yum!
Nicole Johnson
Wednesday 13th of May 2015
Thanks, Patricia! It was really easy to make!
Laura @Petite Allergy Treats
Monday 11th of May 2015
I've always want to go clamming or crabbing. It just seems like fun 'hunting' for your dinner, right? These sound so great and fresh! Hope you had a great Mother's Day!
Nicole Johnson
Wednesday 13th of May 2015
Yesss!!! I can't wait to go! I'm scoping out local spots so we can go soon. I can't wait!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat.
Monday 11th of May 2015
These clams look amazing! I love seafood, but have never cooked fresh clams before. Pretty sure I need to change that ASAP!
Nicole Johnson
Wednesday 13th of May 2015
It is really easy! I think I was intimidated by the fact that they are still alive. Same with live lobster. But it was really simple, and we'll definitely be making those again.
Laura at Creative Supergirl
Monday 11th of May 2015
This look delicious! I usually only have clams with pasta but I bet this is so yummy with a nice piece of crusty bread. I am going to definitely try this soon!
Nicole Johnson
Wednesday 13th of May 2015
Let me know what you think! I love a good bucket of clams.
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
Monday 11th of May 2015
Sounds incredible! I've ben made clams at home but you make them look so easy! Trying!
Nicole Johnson
Wednesday 13th of May 2015
Thanks, Krista!! You should definitely try it!