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Steamers (Steamed Soft-Shell Clams)

Soft-shell clams steamed in white wine and served with melted butter and broth for dipping.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 10 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 AppetizerCategory
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Soft-shell clams steamed in white wine and served with melted butter and broth for dipping.

New England’s messy favorite

Steamers are an event: sweet, briny soft-shell clams with their papery skins, dipped first in broth, then in butter.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Soak the clams in cold salted water 20 minutes, then scrub well under running water.
  2. Combine the wine, water, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf in a large pot and bring to a boil.
  3. Add the clams, cover, and steam 8-10 minutes, shaking the pot once, until the shells open.
  4. Strain and reserve the steaming broth. Serve the clams in bowls with the broth and warm melted butter for dipping, plus lemon wedges.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Discard any clam that stays shut after steaming. The classic ritual: swish the clam in broth to rinse the sand, then dip in butter.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Servings4
CategoryAppetizer
PublishedAugust 16, 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 →