Oyster Bar Style Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Wine

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender steamed clams infused with garlic and white wine, inspired by classic oyster bar flavors for a light and flavorful seafood dish. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs scrubbed fresh littleneck clams, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 1 cup dry white wine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 pounds scrubbed littleneck clams to the pot, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for 6-8 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally until the clams open.
  4. Step 4: Remove the clams that have opened with a slotted spoon and discard any that remain closed.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper into the broth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Step 6: Serve the steamed clams in bowls with the garlic-white wine broth and crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oyster Bar Style Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Wine take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Oyster Bar Style Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Wine?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oyster Bar Style Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Wine?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Oyster Bar Style Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Wine for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Oyster Bar Style Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Wine?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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