How to Eat Steamed Clams

Steamed clams, also known as steamers, are an East coast delicacy normally enjoyed during a day at the beach. Served in a bucket and bought by the pound, the steamers can come from a beach stand, the local bar or a fine restaurant. These soft-shelled clams are made to be eaten with your fingers as you pick them from the shell. Enjoy them as they come or drown them in butter for a tasty treat.

Things You'll Need

• Napkin
• Bowl of clam broth
• Melted butter

Instructions

1. Put on your napkin; the process is messy and the butter may drip. Double up the napkins if you don't have a plastic one.

2. Pop up the shell, which should come off easily. Use your fingers to pull out the clam meat. Keep the body together and don't break it off into pieces.

3. Remove the black membrane around the neck (the long section). Grab one end of the clam and pull. It should detach easily.

4. Swish the clam around in the broth. Move your fingers around the clam to push out the sand from the clam. Allow the clam to absorb the salty taste of the broth as you clean it.

5. Dip the clam into the bowl of melted butter. Close your eyes and savor the taste as you put it into your mouth. Finish off the bucket.

Tips & Warnings

• Use lots of napkins.

References

• New England Travel Planner: How to Eat Steamed Clams
• Time in the Kitchen: How to Cook, Clean and Eat a New England Steamer Clam