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Almejas al Vapor Baja

A traditional Baja California dish — Almejas al Vapor Baja are clams steamed in white wine, garlic, and butter, finished with a brightening of lime and cilantro.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 10 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 Baja KitchenCategory
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Almejas al Vapor Baja - Baja cuisine

A traditional Baja California dish — Almejas al Vapor Baja are clams steamed in white wine, garlic, and butter, finished with a brightening of lime and cilantro. The wine is a natural partner in this region, home to the vineyards of the Valle de Guadalupe. It is the simplest possible argument for fresh seafood: a big bowl, a lot of broth, and bread or tortillas to mop it up.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Scrub the clams and discard any that are open and do not close when tapped.
  2. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat and cook the shallot until soft, about two minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and chiltepin and cook until fragrant, about one minute.
  4. Pour in the wine and lime juice, then add the clams in a single layer.
  5. Cover and steam over medium-high heat, shaking the pot occasionally, until the clams open, about six to eight minutes.
  6. Discard any clams that stay shut; stir in the cilantro.
  7. Ladle into bowls with the broth and serve with bread or tortillas for dipping.

💡 Chef tips & storage

The broth is the prize — some cooks add a splash of crema at the end for a richer sauce. Serve the moment the clams open so they stay plump and tender.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Servings4
CategoryBaja 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 →