Clams can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways, such as steamed, boiled, or tamarind-stir-fried. However, if not cleaned properly, they can be gritty due to residual sand. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that the clams expel all the sand before cooking.
There are several tricks to help clams expel sand, including using iron nails, sesame oil, or salt. However, these methods can be time-consuming. Fortunately, I learned three simple and quick tips from a seafood vendor in my neighborhood to get clams to self-clean effectively.
Soaking Clams
This is the first and essential step to get clams to expel sand. Instead of using regular cold water, create an ideal environment for them by soaking the clams in warm water at around 30 degrees Celsius. This temperature range is crucial as extremely cold or hot water will not yield the desired results.
Soak the clams for 15 to 20 minutes, and you will notice a significant improvement, with the clams expelling more sand than usual.
Rice Wine
Instead of using salt or chili peppers as per traditional methods, add about a cup of rice wine to the bowl of water containing the clams.
Clams are highly sensitive to odors, especially alcohol. The alcohol in the rice wine will stimulate the clams, causing them to expand and contract rapidly, which will help them expel more sand.
Stirring the Clams
After adding the rice wine, use your hands to continuously stir the clams in the bowl. This action will help them expel sand faster. Be careful not to use too much force, as it may cause the clams to clamp down tightly, making it more difficult for them to release the sand.
Alternatively, you can place the clams in a pot, cover it with a lid, and shake it vigorously for a few seconds. With this method, you will notice a significant amount of sand being expelled by the clams in less than a minute.
Once the clams have expelled the sand, rinse them thoroughly and proceed to cook your favorite clam dish. While steamed and boiled clams are classic choices, let’s try something different with a super easy and mouthwatering spicy stir-fried clam recipe.
Spicy Stir-Fried Clams Recipe
Ingredients
– Clams: 1kg
– Fresh chili peppers: 3-5
– Garlic cloves: 2
– Light soy sauce
– White sugar
Instructions
1. Soak the clams in warm water with rice wine for about 30 minutes, then rinse them under running water to remove any remaining sand. Clean and slice the chili peppers.
2. Heat oil in a wok and add the chili peppers, frying until fragrant.
3. Add the cleaned clams and stir-fry together.
3. Once the clams open, add light soy sauce and white sugar to taste, and stir-fry evenly.
The clams are cooked once they open.
4. Turn off the heat and serve the clams in a bowl.
Tips for Delicious Stir-Fried Clams
To ensure your stir-fried clams turn out perfectly, keep the following tips in mind:
– Avoid stir-frying clams for too long, as this can make the meat tough and chewy, reducing its nutritional value.
– Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to your preference for spiciness.
– Refrain from adding salt to the stir-fried clams, as it will take away from the natural sweetness and crispness of the dish.
This spicy stir-fried clam recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients. Enjoy the clams immediately after cooking to savor the sweet and savory taste, with a delightful tingling sensation from the spiciness.
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