Dive into a culinary adventure with our tantalizing Spicy Clams with Lime Butter! This quick and easy seafood dish is not only bursting with flavor but also takes just 20 minutes from prep to plate. Imagine fresh clams, beautifully steamed and bathed in a zesty lime-infused butter sauce, all while filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of garlic and spices. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe will impress your guests and elevate your dining experience. Ready to discover the secret to this mouthwatering delight? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh clams, scrubbed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Scrub the fresh clams under cold running water to remove any sand or grit. Set them aside in a bowl.
- In a large skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to foam slightly, but do not let it brown.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir well to combine with the garlic and butter. This will infuse the butter with a spicy flavor.
- Carefully add the cleaned clams to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Pour the juice of 1 lime over the clams.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the clams for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have opened up. Discard any clams that do not open.
- Once the clams are cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Give the clams a gentle stir to coat them in the spicy lime butter.
- Transfer the clams to serving bowls, spooning the buttery sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious lime butter sauce.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Clams: Always select fresh clams for the best flavor. Look for clams that are tightly closed; any that remain open should be discarded.
- Scrub Thoroughly: Take the time to scrub the clams under cold running water to remove any sand or grit, ensuring a clean bite.
- Don’t Rush the Butter: When melting the butter, keep the heat at medium to avoid browning. You want a rich, creamy sauce, not burnt butter.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. For a milder version, reduce the flakes or omit them altogether.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your clams with crusty bread or over rice to soak up that delicious lime butter sauce. It’s a perfect way to enjoy every drop!
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor, but consider adding a sprinkle of lime zest for an extra citrusy kick.
- Watch the Clams: Keep an eye on the clams as they cook; they’re ready when they’ve opened up. Discard any that remain closed after cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 70mg
