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Japanese Steamed Clams - steamed Manila (Asari) clams with butter, Japanese sake and mirin. Briny, delicious and takes only 10 minutes.
Orginally published on September 13, 2008. Updated with new photos.
If you love Japanese restaurants, especially Japanese izakaya (casual restaurants serving yakitori, grilled foods and sake), I am sure you know this classic Japanese steamed clams dish. It’s called sari no sakamushi, a personal favorite that I never miss out whenever I dine at izakaya.
I first experienced Japanese izakaya dining when I visited Tokyo. During the trip, I had numerous meals at an izakaya in a small alley right next to my hotel. Sitting on a tatami mat and dined from a low table in a traditional Japanese setting, my host introduced me to yakitori, steamed clams, chicken karaage, yakisoba, agedashi tofu and various mouthwatering Japanese small-plates. I was instantly hooked.
This Japanese steamed clams recipe is very easy and takes practically 10 minutes. It calls for only four (4) main ingredients: manila clams, Japanese cooking sake and mirin (sweet wine seasoning) and butter. The end result is tantalizing, and it’s especially comforting and satisfying in the colder Fall/Winter nights. Enjoy!
Looking for more clam recipes? Check out my Kam Heong Clams recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is only 304 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Japanese Steamed Clams
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
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Japanese Steamed Clams
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb (750g) Manila clams
- 1/3 stick unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup cooking sake
- 1/4 cup mirin
- salt , to taste
- 1 tablespoon scallion, green part only, chopped
Instructions
- Clean the clams thoroughly and set aside. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the clams to the pan and give them a few quick stirs. Then, add the water, sake, and mirin to the clams, and cover the pan with its lid.
- Turn the heat to high and bring the clams to a boil. Once all the clams have opened, add salt to taste. Dish the clams out into a bowl, garnish with chopped scallions, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thank you!! Yes, this is very tasty and flavorful dish. I really like it.
HI Bee,
May I know if I can use oil instead go butter?
I am thinking my 79 year old father may not like the butter….
He won’t know. Trust me!
Hi there, what can I use instead of sake? White wine? Thank you.
Yes, or Chinese rice wine.
Can I replace sake with white wine? Thanks.
Yes.
I really love seafoods! Glad to have checked your blog.