How to Make Spicy Littleneck Clams Stir Fry

Shellfish, eaten raw or cooked, are high in protein, rich in vitamins and minerals. They are also naturally low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Clams, especially the littleneck kind is easily digested by our body and therefore the nutrients can quickly get to where it is needed. Here's a great seafood side dish for spicy shellfish lovers -- Stir fried littleneck clams done in Sichuan style. Recipe >>

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Gather and prepare the following ingredients for the spicy littleneck clams stir fry recipe:
   
   * 1 pound fresh littleneck clams
   * 2 teaspoons sesame oil
   * 4 teaspoons rice vinegar
   * 1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (thickener)
   * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, preferably peanut oil
   * 1" piece of ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
   * 6 dried red chili peppers
   * 2 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes
   * 6 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
   * 2 stalks chopped green onions
   * 1/4 cup light soy sauce
   * 2 tablespoons rice wine or dry sherry
   * 1 green chili pepper with seeds, thinly sliced
   * 1 red chili pepper with seeds, thinly sliced
   * A handful of cilantro, with stems (for garnishing)

2. Scrub clean the shells with a wire sponge or toothbrush and then soak clams in a bucket of clean water, 1 hour. Add a pinch of salt to the water if desired. Change and refill water 2 or 3 times in the 1 hour soaking time. Water should not be murky, and there should be no sand and other debris before cooking the clams. Discard any unopened clams.

3. In a wok or skillet over high heat, sauté whole red chili peppers, ginger, and garlic in peanut oil until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Add clams to the skillet or wok. Put in the sliced green and red chili peppers, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and rice wine/sherry.

5. Turn heat down to medium. Stir-fry clams for 8 to 10 minutes.

6. Mix 1-1/2 tablespoons warm water with 1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch in a small bowl. Pour the cornstarch mixture to the cooking clams. Cook until liquid is thickened then turn off heat, about 5 minutes. Add green onions, tossing and stirring.

7. Transfer spicy clams stir fry onto large plate. Drizzle sesame oil on top, and garnish with cilantro and serve with cooked rice. Recipe for 4-6 persons if used as a side dish.

Tips & Warnings

• Littleneck clams come in different sizes, the smallest kind is called "cherrystone", while the largest of all is called "quahog". Any size littleneck clam is suitable for this recipe.
• Hot and spicy.

[godfather25]

on 11/12/2009 Looks like a great spicy littleneck clam stir fry recipe.