Sake-Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Wine
Tender clams steamed in fragrant sake, white wine, and garlic broth, creating a delicate seafood dish with a subtle Asian twist. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh littleneck clams, sake, dry white wine 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh littleneck clams
- 1/2 cup sake
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- for serving lemon wedges
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Thoroughly scrub 2 lbs fresh littleneck clams under cold running water to remove grit and discard any open clams that do not close when tapped.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup sake and 1/2 cup dry white wine, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add the cleaned clams to the skillet, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for 6-8 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until all clams have opened.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, discard any unopened clams, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sake-Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Wine take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Sake-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 fresh littleneck clams from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sake-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 Sake-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 Sake-Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Wine?
Japanese 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.
