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    Home / Chilean Kitchen / Machas a la Parmesana

    Machas a la Parmesana

    Juicy razor clams under a molten Parmesan crust — one of Chile’s most indulgent coastal treats.

    ⏱ 20 minPrep time
    🔥 10 minCook time
    🍽 4Servings
    🏷 Chilean KitchenCategory
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    Machas a la Parmesana

    Machas a la parmesana is a Chilean seafood classic: razor clams opened in their shells, topped with a garlicky Parmesan butter, and broiled until bubbling and golden. Because machas are hard to find outside Chile, plump littleneck clams make a faithful substitute.

    Shellfish, butter, and a golden cheese lid

    The clams stay tender and briny while the Parmesan-butter topping browns into a crisp, garlicky crust. Every spoonful scoops up the garlicky butter pooled in the shell — rich, salty, and irresistibly coastal.

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    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Preheat the broiler with the rack 6 inches from the heat.
    2. Place the clams in a large skillet with the wine and 1/2 cup water, cover, and steam over medium-high heat just until they open, 4 to 6 minutes; discard any that stay shut.
    3. Remove the top shell from each clam, keeping the meat in the deep shell, and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with rock salt or crumpled foil to keep them level.
    4. Beat the softened butter with the garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and spoon a little over each clam.
    5. Sprinkle the Parmesan generously over the top and broil for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
    6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the garlicky butter.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Machas are razor clams — if your fishmonger has them, use them; otherwise littlenecks or manila clams work beautifully. Don't over-broil or the clams turn rubbery — the cheese should be golden in about 3 minutes.

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    Recipe details

    Prep20 min
    Cook10 min
    Servings4
    CategoryChilean Kitchen
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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