How to Clean Soft-Shell Clams (Steamers)
Fresh clams are a delicious addition to a seafood dinner or a raw-bar spread. Care must be taken when purchasing, cleaning and preparing fresh soft-shell clams, however, to prevent contamination and food poisoning. Keep the fresh clams cold and alive by storing them in the refrigerator for a few hours until it is time to clean and steam them. You'll need to set aside several hours to adequately clean soft-shell clams. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Rinse the shells under cold running water. Repeat this process several times to remove loosened grit.
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Add salt to a bucket of water, enough so it tastes quite salty. Add a handful or two of cornmeal to the salted water.
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Put the clams in the bucket. Place the clams in the refrigerator for a few hours.
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Remove the clams from the refrigerator. Rinse the shells one final time before steaming.
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References
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Comments
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Kimberley Riccio
Feb 23, 2011
Thank you Joan for your comment. You must be lucky to find clams that do not need to be cleaned. I get clams from CA as well as from the North shore of the Chesapeake -- I always need to clean them. -
Joan C. Danzansky
Feb 22, 2011
No need for the soaking overnight with cormeal! These clams do not have sand or grit in them, unless the shells have been compromised - cracked or broken. The wonderful seafood store where we buy them - called 'manos' on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, does not soak them at all. There may be grit clinging to the shells, but if you just put them in cold water and swish them around, changing water a couple of times, that's all you need to do - they are ready to steam!
