Chinese Spicy Clam Recipe: A Delicious Seafood Dish with a Kick

If you're a fan of spicy seafood, then you'll love this Chinese spicy clam recipe. This dish is packed with flavour and has a nice kick to it, making it the perfect choice for anyone who loves a bit of heat. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

To make this dish, you'll need to start by selecting the best clams. Look for fresh clams that are still alive and have tightly closed shells. You can also use frozen clams if fresh ones are not available. Once you have your clams, you'll need to prepare the essential ingredients, including garlic, ginger, chillies, and a variety of spices.

To cook the clams, you'll need to use a combination of stir-frying and steaming techniques to ensure that they are cooked through and have absorbed all of the delicious flavours. Once the clams are cooked, you can serve them on their own or with rice or noodles.

Key Takeaways

• This Chinese spicy clam recipe is perfect for anyone who loves spicy seafood.
• When selecting clams, look for fresh ones that are still alive and have tightly closed shells.
• To make this dish, you'll need to use a combination of stir-frying and steaming techniques to ensure that the clams are cooked through and have absorbed all of the delicious flavours.

Selecting the Best Clams

When it comes to preparing a delicious Chinese spicy clam recipe, selecting the best clams is essential. Here are some tips to help you choose the best clams for your recipe.

Types of Clams

There are many different types of clams available, but the most commonly used clams in Chinese cuisine are Littleneck and Manila clams. Littleneck clams are small and have a sweet, briny taste, while Manila clams are larger and have a more delicate flavour.

Buying Fresh Clams

When buying fresh clams, it's important to look for live clams that are tightly closed. If the clams are open, tap them gently and they should close. If they don't close, it means they are dead and should be discarded. Also, make sure to buy clams from a reputable seafood market to ensure they are fresh.

Preparing Clams for Cooking

Before cooking the clams, you should rinse them thoroughly in cold water to remove any sand or debris. If you're using live clams, soak them in salt water for at least 30 minutes to help remove any sand or grit. Once the clams are clean, they are ready to be used in your Chinese spicy clam recipe.

If you're looking to add more seafood to your recipe, you can also include shrimp or scallops. Make sure to choose fresh seafood and follow the same steps for cleaning and preparing them as you would with the clams.

With these tips, you'll be able to select the best clams for your Chinese spicy clam recipe and ensure that they are fresh and delicious.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

Spices and Seasonings

In order to achieve the authentic Chinese spicy clam recipe, you will need to use a few essential spices and seasonings. Ginger, garlic, and scallion are the most important spices that are used in almost all Chinese cooking. These spices add a unique aroma and flavour to the dish. You can use fresh ginger and garlic for better flavour, but if you don't have them, you can also use the powdered versions.

In addition to these spices, you can also use black pepper and white pepper to add a little heat to the dish. You can also use chilli flakes or dried chillies if you want the dish to be spicier.

Sauces and Oils

Oyster sauce and soy sauce are the two most important sauces used in Chinese cooking. Oyster sauce adds a savoury flavour to the dish, while soy sauce adds saltiness. You can also use sesame oil to add a nutty flavour to the dish. Corn starch is also used to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.

Vegetable Additions

Celery and white onion are the two most commonly used vegetables in Chinese spicy clam recipe. These vegetables add texture and flavour to the dish. You can also use other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms to add more flavour and nutrition to the dish.

If you want to add more seafood to the dish, you can also use shrimp or squid. These seafood options will add more depth to the dish and complement the clams well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking the seafood.

Overall, using the right combination of spices, sauces, and vegetables is essential to create an authentic Chinese spicy clam recipe. With these ingredients and substitutions, you can create a delicious and flavourful dish that will impress your guests.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-Frying Clams

Stir-frying is a common cooking technique in Chinese cuisine, and it is perfect for cooking clams. To stir-fry clams, you will need a wok and some cooking oil. Heat up the wok and add the cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the clams and stir-fry them for a few minutes until they start to open up. Make sure you stir-fry the clams quickly and constantly to prevent them from sticking to the wok.

Blanching and Cleaning

Before stir-frying the clams, it is essential to blanch and clean them thoroughly. To do this, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the clams. Blanch them for a few seconds until the shells open up. Remove the clams from the pot and rinse them under cold water. Use a brush to clean the shells and remove any dirt or sand.

Making the Sauce

The sauce is an essential component of the Chinese spicy clam recipe. To make the sauce, you will need dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, rice wine, and cornstarch slurry. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

If you want to add more flavour to the dish, you can also add other seafood such as prawns or squid. Make sure you clean and prepare the seafood before adding them to the wok.

By following these cooking techniques, you can make a delicious and spicy Chinese clam dish in no time.

Nutritional Information

If you are looking for a healthy and nutritious seafood recipe, then Chinese spicy clam recipe is a great option. Clams are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

A serving of Chinese spicy clams contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is also a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining good heart health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Seafood is a great addition to any healthy eating plan. It is low in calories and fat, and high in protein and nutrients. When cooking Chinese spicy clams, you can also add other seafood such as shrimp or scallops to increase the nutritional value of the dish.

When choosing seafood, it is important to choose sustainable and responsibly sourced options. Look for seafood that has been certified by organisations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). These organisations ensure that the seafood has been sourced in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

In summary, Chinese spicy clam recipe is a healthy and nutritious seafood recipe that is easy to make and delicious to eat. By adding other seafood such as shrimp or scallops, you can increase the nutritional value of the dish. When choosing seafood, it is important to choose sustainable and responsibly sourced options to ensure that you are making a positive impact on the environment.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

To complement the bold flavours of your Chinese spicy clam recipe, consider serving it alongside some accompaniments. A refreshing beer, such as a cold lager or pilsner, can help to balance the heat of the dish. Alternatively, a crisp white wine can also be a good choice.

For a more substantial accompaniment, consider serving your spicy clams with some steamed rice. This can help to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a filling base for your meal. You could also consider serving some stir-fried vegetables on the side, such as bok choy or green beans.

Presentation Tips

To make your Chinese spicy clams look as good as they taste, consider some presentation tips. Sprinkling some fresh cilantro or green onions over the top can add a pop of colour and freshness to your dish. Alternatively, you could chop up some spring onions and scatter them over the top for a slightly milder flavour.

When serving your clams, consider using a large platter or bowl to showcase the dish. This can help to make it feel like a special occasion and encourage diners to tuck in. You could also consider serving the dish family-style, with everyone helping themselves from a central platter.

If you want to add some variety to your dish, consider using different types of seafood. For example, you could use a mix of clams and mussels to add some extra texture and flavour. Alternatively, you could use prawns or squid for a different take on the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to prepare spicy clams in a Chinese style?

The simplest way to prepare spicy clams in Chinese style is to stir-fry them with garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. You can also add some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to enhance the flavour. It's a quick and easy recipe that can be done in less than 20 minutes.

How do you properly stir-fry clams like in Chinese cuisine?

To properly stir-fry clams like in Chinese cuisine, you need to make sure that the clams are thoroughly cleaned and free of sand. Heat up some oil in a wok or a pan, and stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and chili peppers until fragrant. Then, add the clams and stir-fry them until they open up. Finally, add the sauce and stir-fry for another minute or two.

What are the best ingredients to use in a Chinese spicy clam dish?

The best ingredients to use in a Chinese spicy clam dish are garlic, ginger, chili peppers, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. You can also add some vegetables like spring onions, bell peppers, and carrots to add some colour and texture to the dish.

Can you suggest a good side dish to accompany spicy fried clams?

A good side dish to accompany spicy fried clams is steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve some stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad to balance out the flavours.

What's the correct method for boiling clams to retain their flavour?

The correct method for boiling clams to retain their flavour is to bring a pot of water to a boil, and then add the clams. Cover the pot and let the clams cook for 3-5 minutes until they open up. Discard any clams that do not open. You can also add some ginger and spring onions to the water to enhance the flavour.

Is there a way to utilise canned clams in a Chinese-inspired recipe?

Yes, you can use canned clams in a Chinese-inspired recipe. However, make sure to drain the liquid from the can and rinse the clams thoroughly before using them. Canned clams are already cooked, so you can add them to the dish towards the end of the cooking process. Other seafood like prawns or squid can also be used as a substitute for clams.