Chili Clams

Easy and delicious stir fry Asian style clams with chili served in a plate.

4.84 from 6 votes

Chili Clams—tender, juicy clams with a bold, spicy kick. These **spiced clams** are stir-fried with a savory chili paste, creating a perfect blend of heat and flavor. This Chinese spicy clams recipe is ideal for seafood and spice lovers!

Prep Time15

Cook Time5

Total Time20

Course: Clams

Cuisine: Malaysian Recipes

Keyword: Chili Clams

Servings: people

Author: Bee Yinn Low

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ( 750g) clams
2 tablespoons oil
1 red chili cut into pieces
1 teaspoon sugar
chopped scallions for garnishing

Spice Paste:

5 dried red chilies seeded, or 2 fresh red chilies
1/2 inch (1 cm) fresh ginger peeled and coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon bean sauce taucheo

Instructions

Rinse the clams, soak them in salted water for 20-30 minutes, then scrub the shells with your hands or a brush. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water and discard any cracked or damaged clams.
Pound the spice paste using a mortar and pestle or grind it with a food processor. Set aside.
Heat the cooking oil in a wok. Add the spice paste and stir-fry until aromatic. Add the clams to the wok and mix well with the spice paste. Cover the wok with its lid, about 1-2 minutes.
Add red chilies and sugar, then stir to combine with the clams. Turn off the heat, dish out, garnish with chopped scallions, and serve immediately.

Notes

Many people are afraid to make clams at home because they’re not familiar with handling them. Don’t worry—I'm here to guide you through it. Cleaning clams is simple, but it's important to do it right to remove sand and grit. Here’s a straightforward guide for home cooks:

- Rinse: Wash the clams under cold water.

- Soak: Place them in a bowl of cold, salted water for 20-30 minutes.

- Scrub: Use a brush to clean the shells. You can also rub and scrub the surface with both your hands.

- Check: Discard any clams that are open and don’t close when tapped.

- Rinse Again: Give them one final rinse under cold running water.

- Cook: Use them immediately, or soak in water and store them in the refrigerator overnight.

Pro Tip: If you want to make sure your clams are perfectly clean, add a splash of vinegar to the soaking water. The vinegar helps to open the clams slightly, making it easier for them to release sand and grit. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before cooking.

Nutrition