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Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato

Fresh clams steamed in white wine, olive oil, garlic, and cilantro — the Lisbon tavern classic that’s ready in minutes.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 10 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato is the sound of summer in Lisbon — clams sizzling in a bath of olive oil, garlic, lemon and a forest of fresh cilantro. The dish takes its name from a beloved Portuguese poet and has become the city’s favorite way to eat shellfish.

Every clam opens to release its briny liquor into the sauce, which begs to be mopped up with crusty bread. It works as a tapa-style starter or a light main, best enjoyed outdoors with a cold glass of white wine in hand.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Soak the clams in cold salted water for 20 minutes, then rinse and drain well.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat and cook the garlic until just golden, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the clams and wine, cover, and cook until the shells open, 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan once or twice.
  4. Remove from the heat, stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper flakes.
  5. Serve immediately in the pot with lemon wedges and plenty of bread for the juices.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Discard any clams that refuse to open. Serve at once, and save every drop of broth — that is the real prize.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Servings4
CategoryDinner
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 →