Sake-Steamed Clams with Miso Butter and Scallions
Tender clams steamed in fragrant sake with a rich miso butter sauce, garnished with fresh scallions for a delicate umami-packed seafood dish. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs fresh littleneck clams, dry sake, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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 cup dry sake
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh scallions
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 2 lbs fresh littleneck clams under cold water, scrubbing shells to remove any debris; soak in cold salted water for 20 minutes to expel sand, then drain.
- Step 2: In a large deep skillet or wok, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat; add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp white miso paste until fully dissolved into the butter, creating a smooth miso butter sauce.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup dry sake and increase heat to medium-high; bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 5: Add the cleaned clams, cover the skillet immediately with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for 6-8 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until all clams have opened.
- Step 6: Remove lid and discard any unopened clams; stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 7: Transfer clams and broth to a serving bowl, sprinkle 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds on top for garnish, and serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sake-Steamed Clams with Miso Butter and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Miso Butter and Scallions?
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 Miso Butter and Scallions?
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 Miso Butter and Scallions 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 Miso Butter and Scallions?
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.
