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Orginally published on September 13, 2008. Updated with new photos.
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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!
How Many Calories per Serving?
This recipe is only 304 calories per serving.
What Dishes to Serve with This Recipe?
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. 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 chopped scallion (green part only)
Instructions
- Clean the clams thoroughly and set aside. Heat up a saucepan on medium heat and add the butter. As soon as the butter melts, transfer the clams into the pan and do a few quick stirs. Add the water, sake, and mirin into the clams and cover the pan with its lid.
- Turn the heat to high and bring the clams to boil. As soon as all the clams are open, add in salt to taste. Dish out into a bowl, garnish with the chopped scallion, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
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.