How to Clean Clams Properly!
Follow our fool-proof guide on how to clean clams so you can enjoy your steamed clams grit and sand-free!
Equipment
Ingredients
- Fresh Steamer Clams I used clams that we dig ourselves on the Puget Sound, but this is great to follow for store-bought as well
Instructions
- Inspect the Clams: Before cleaning, discard any clams with cracked or open shells. Gently tap any open clams on a hard surface. If they don't close after a few taps, discard them, as they may be dead and unsafe to eat.
- Scrub the Shells: Rinse the clams under cold running water to remove any surface dirt. Use a stiff brush to scrub the shells gently. This will help remove any debris or barnacles attached to the shells.
- Soak in Saltwater: Fill a large bowl with cold water and add ΒΌ cup of salt per quart of water. Place the clams in the saltwater solution and let them soak for 30 minutes. This will help the clams expel any sand or grit from their shells. Look at the instructions below on how to properly purge clams if you dug them yourself.
- Rinse Again: After soaking, remove the clams from the saltwater solution and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This will ensure that any remaining sand or grit is washed away.