Seafood | Low Carb Low Fat High Protein

Clams

Mercenaria mercenaria Allergens: Shellfish
clams

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Veneridae
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean|East Asian|American
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Marine (ocean)

The Forktionary Angle

"Harnessing the ocean's whisper to infuse dishes with unparalleled briny depth."

Definition

Marine bivalve mollusks, often eaten steamed, grilled, or in soups and pasta, known for their briny, sweet flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteUmami, Salty, Slightly Sweet
TextureChewy, Tender, Succulent
AromaBriny, Ocean-like, Slightly earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Harvest (Metric Tons/Year)

~18 Million

Omega-3 Content (per 100g)

~100-200mg

Optimal Depuration Temperature

45-50°F (7-10°C)

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g
Calories74 kcal
Total Fat1.0 g
Saturated Fat0.2 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol38 mg
Protein12.8 g
Total Carbohydrate2.5 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium57 mg
Iron2.8 mg
Potassium218 mg

Chef’s Secret

Purge clams in salted water (1 tbsp salt per cup water) for 20-30 minutes before cooking to remove sand and grit.

Substitutions

Best Match

Mussels

1:1

Similar briny flavor, texture, and cooking methods; great in pasta or steamed.

Oysters

1:1 (meat weight)

More intensely briny, good for raw or broiled preparations, but different texture.

Shrimp

1:1

Similar cook time and protein, but a different flavor profile; good in stews/pasta.

Artichoke Hearts (canned/jarred)

1:1 (drained)

Vegetarian option for texture in some dishes like pasta, though flavor is very different.

Buying Guide

Choose live clams with tightly closed shells. Discard any that are open and don't close when tapped.

Flavor Pairings

White wine garlic butter lemon parsley pasta saffron tomatoes.

Recipes Using Clams

Clams Easy Course European

Amazing Spaghetti With Seafood Sauce

Husband's new favorite! This incredible seafood spaghetti recipe is bursting with flavor. Tender spaghetti tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce with succulent shellfish and a hint of lemon. Easy to follow instructions for a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour.

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Clams Time To Make Low Saturated Fat Preparation

Angel Hair Pasta With Clams

Indulge in this light yet flavorful Angel Hair Pasta with Clams recipe, inspired by Cooking Light. Each serving boasts a mere 310 calories, packing 19.6g of protein and a delightful blend of fresh clam flavor and delicate pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes! Prepare to be amazed by the zesty sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.

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Seafood Occasion Clams To Go

Aunt Phyllis Clam Casserole

This recipe, passed down from Aunt Phyllis herself, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! A creamy, comforting clam casserole bursting with fresh seafood flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Occasion Shellfish Main Ingredient Course

Baked Clams

Recreate the magic of a honeymoon seafood dinner with this delectable baked clams recipe! Inspired by a cherished memory, this recipe uses readily available ingredients to bring the taste of fresh clams to your kitchen, even if you're landlocked. Get ready for a burst of savory, garlicky goodness with a perfectly golden-brown topping. A simple yet elegant dish perfect for a romantic night in or a special occasion.

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Time To Make Healthy 3 Steps Or Less Shellfish

Battered Fried Clams

Forget those frozen supermarket clams! This recipe delivers the ultimate crispy, golden-fried clam experience. Dive into succulent, perfectly battered clams – a true taste of the sea. Serve them with your favorite sides: our KFC Coleslaw (recipe #110948), crispy chips, onion rings, or French fries. And don't forget the essential tartar sauce! This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a delicious weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Chicken Chicken Preparation Main Ingredient

Seafood Stew Crock Pot

This hearty and healthy seafood stew is a delicious and adaptable recipe perfect for a weeknight meal! Using up leftover ingredients from your fridge and pantry, this low-calorie, low-fat recipe is packed with flavor. Imagine succulent shrimp, clams, and scallops simmering with tender chicken in a rich tomato broth, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Spice it up or keep it mild – it's entirely customizable to your taste! Get ready for a flavorful and satisfying seafood feast!

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