Stuffed Clams Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 12 stuffed clams

Ingredients:

• 12 large clams, shucked (shells reserved)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Steps to Cook:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
3. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Arrange the reserved clam shells on a baking sheet. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly into the shells, packing it down gently.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve the stuffed clams warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Cook’s Note:

• To shuck the clams, use a sharp knife or oyster shucker to carefully pry open the shells, being careful to retain the liquid inside.
• If you prefer a creamier stuffing, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
• For a more pronounced seafood flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of finely chopped cooked bacon or chopped clams to the stuffing.
• Serve the stuffed clams as an appetizer or a light main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread.

Healthy Food Recipes: Stuffed Clams

Stuffed clams are a delightful and healthy seafood dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a light main course. This recipe combines the briny flavor of fresh clams with a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb topping, making for a truly satisfying and nutritious meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Clams

Clams are an excellent source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids that support muscle growth and repair. They are also rich in a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin B12: Clams are one of the best natural sources of vitamin B12, which is crucial for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.
• Iron: Clams are a great source of iron, which is necessary for the transport of oxygen throughout the body and the prevention of anemia.
• Zinc: This mineral is important for immune function, wound healing, and the proper development of the senses of taste and smell.
• Selenium: Clams contain a significant amount of selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports thyroid health.

In addition to these essential nutrients, clams are low in calories and fat, making them a healthy and satisfying choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Preparing the Stuffed Clams

This recipe for stuffed clams is relatively simple to prepare, with the most time-consuming step being the shucking of the clams. To shuck the clams, you’ll need a sharp knife or an oyster shucker. Carefully pry open the shells, being sure to retain the liquid inside, as this will add flavor to the final dish.

Once the clams are shucked, the stuffing comes together quickly. Sautéing the onion and garlic in butter helps to develop their flavors, while the addition of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes creates a delicious and textured topping.

Baking the Stuffed Clams

After the stuffing is prepared, it’s time to assemble the dish. Arrange the reserved clam shells on a baking sheet and spoon the breadcrumb mixture into each shell, packing it down gently. This will ensure that the stuffing holds its shape during the baking process.

The stuffed clams are then baked in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. This short baking time helps to preserve the natural moisture and tenderness of the clams, while also creating a delightful contrast between the crisp breadcrumb topping and the succulent clam meat.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the stuffed clams are out of the oven, you can serve them warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired. These can be enjoyed as a light main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread, or as a flavorful and healthy appetizer.

For those who prefer a creamier stuffing, you can add a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. And for an even more pronounced seafood flavor, you can incorporate finely chopped cooked bacon or additional chopped clams into the stuffing.

Overall, this stuffed clams recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the bounty of the sea. The combination of fresh clams, savory breadcrumb topping, and aromatic herbs and spices makes for a truly satisfying and healthy meal.