24 of the Best Clam Recipes

Think you had met your match when you figured on one of the many clam recipes for dinner? They come in all shapes and sizes, but choosing the best recipe for your next family meal is going to be much easier than you think. Follow through our list as we go over 24 of the best clam recipes of all time.

Sure, you probably think that there can’t be much done with clams. Well, we’re here to tell you you’re wrong! After you finish reading this article, you’ll be 24 recipes richer in knowledge about how to tackle your next big family fish fry.

Friends and neighbors alike will be running to your doorstep on Fridays during the season of Lent to get their favorite serving of your go-to clam recipe. These recipes are not just good for one time of year but the whole year-round.

So, let’s get to it!

1. 20-Minute Garlic Butter Steamed Clams

Paired perfectly with a chilled glass of white wine, these steamer clams will have your friends and family thinking they came from the nearest restaurant!

Don’t let the presentation fool you, though. This recipe is one of the quickest and easiest to make on the list.

You’ll get quality ingredients, a beautiful plate, and all of this can be done with nearly minimal prep work.

Too good to be true? Try it out for yourself! Don’t miss out on this truly tasty meal the next time you are in the mood for clams.

2. Spicy Clam Pasta

With restaurant-quality linguine, you won’t want to miss out on this next clam pasta recipe. It’s perfect for a quick and painless dinner, coming in at a mere 20 minutes to make.

Tossed in a delicious garlic butter sauce, your family will be waiting for you to bring in the next batch!

Be sure to use fresh minced garlic in this recipe to bring out the best flavors possible. And, of course, you can’t make a true authentic pasta dish without your favorite extra virgin olive oil!

3. Ina Garten’s Easy Cioppino Recipe

This tomato-based seafood stew will be sure to tantalize your taste buds like no other. Loaded up with superior shrimp, mussels, cod, and clams, this dinner will surely not go unnoticed in the kitchen.

Easy to make and delicious, this is by far one of the most healthy clam recipes on the list.

Even better, it can go from the fridge to your table in just under an hour. You’ll want to keep this one for the books.

4. Clam Dip

Need any ideas for your next tailgate? This simple to make appetizer is sure to showcase one of the best ways to learn how to cook clams. This dish is best served beside your family’s favorite potato chips, which could be homemade as well if you’d like!

A perfect BBQ or tailgate snack for even the largest of crowds. Just grab your cream cheese and sour cream (which can be substituted for Greek yogurt if you’d prefer), and be sure that your garlic is freshly minced!

5. Sheet Pan Clam Bake Recipe

This dish is sure to serve up some significant New England vibes when you set it down on the table for supper. Try out this classic clam bake recipe to treat your family with that little extra.

This recipe even teaches you how to make your seafood seasoning to add to your dish! Toss your potatoes and seafood in the oven for an easy and quick delicious meal to please the whole family.

6. Clams and Chorizo

Steamed in white wine, surrounded by aromatics…this may be the delightful dish we’ve all been waiting for.

Since the broth is soaked up with your best bread or pasta, you’ll be sure to get a taste of the best dinner in town with every bite.

Make sure to use Littleneck clams for this recipe, as they are the best since they steam well. Don’t forget to soak your clams for at least 30 minutes, so they have time to release all of that extra sand inside!

7. Creamy New England Clam Chowder

You’ll never want to turn back to canned chowder after trying out this recipe tonight. Although it may be a bit intimidating to make, this clam chowder has got to be one of our favorites on the list.

Make sure you’re not adding any clams to your dish that don’t open up during their boiling time.

Those aren’t good, and you won’t want them ruining your delicious dish! Steam and chop before your meal to save time!

8. Fried Whole Belly Clams

If you’ve got a great recipe for homemade tartar sauce, you’re going to want to whip it out to go beside this next dish.

Make sure you’re reaching for the WHOLE belly clams at the market! You don’t want to start making your recipe with the wrong ones!

Don’t forget to blanch them in water for approximately 20 seconds! This will help to relax them so that they are easier to manage. Make sure you’re opting for “corn” flour when you’re ready for dredging.

9. Manhattan Clam Chowder

Folks, this recipe contains none other than your favorite ingredient in the world…besides clams, bacon! Yes, this dish mixes both of them to create that amazing flavor you know and love.

Make sure to use your best heavy bottom pot or an enameled cast iron one. And don’t forget to let your clams soak for a minimum of 5 minutes before setting back in the fridge! This will help them to get any dirt or grit out before ingesting.

10. Baked Clams with Garlicky Breadcrumbs

Make sure for this recipe that you’re buying specifically littleneck clams. This popular version of them is the best of the bunch since they are medium-sized and much easier to eat than their larger counterparts.

Let the clams sit for 1 whole hour to make sure they’re grit and sand-free. Be sure that while they’re soaking, they’re constantly covered with a minimum of 2 inches of COLD water! Chop your parsley and crush your garlic next to this delicious baked dish!

11. Red Curry, Coconut, and Ginger Infused Steamed Clams

You’ll have to hide these bad boys away if you don’t want them going, going, gone in a matter of minutes! If your family is a lover of all things and coconut, you’ll be sure to want to double up this recipe.

This Asian-style steamed clam recipe features many delicate ingredients and is perfect for a break from the cold season’s usual dishes. Add an optional small lime on the side to create some extra pizazz if you feel like it!

12. Seafood Arrabbiata

If you’re feeling the fury in creating this dish, feel free to add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper to fire up your family and friends.

This dish is simple and quick for any seafood lovers that want to make supper on the fly in between other chores.

Make sure to use a nonstick skillet while cooking, so none of your goodness gets baked onto the sides! Add your ingredients one at a time and finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh basil.

13. Seafood Pasta

Ready for your next favorite one-pot dinner dish? Well, boy, have we got the perfect one for you.

This easy-to-make seafood pasta with homemade tomato sauce is perfect for busy nights in between lessons or practice.

Be sure to use homemade sauce, as it is a proper step up to can for this dish. Then go ahead and grab up your favorite seafood ingredients, such as scallops, clams, mussels, and squid, and you’ll have a word made in Heaven.

14. Old-Fashioned Stuffed Baked Clams

Make sure that you’re using only the best and freshest clams for this recipe that you can get your seafood ready hands-on. This is one of the easiest appetizers around that packs a full punch of flavor.

Try making your breadcrumbs for this dish! Creating them from coarse and crunchy bread will for sure be a finishing touch to wow your friends and neighbors alike. Grab some fresh dill to serve on top, and you’re complete!

15. Old-Fashioned Linguine with White Clam Sauce

If you’re looking for linguine to impress all your guests, be sure to try out this next recipe that will surely have everyone wanting more. With sauteed onions and garlic, fresh herbs, and a bit of lemon, you’re better off making extra because everyone will enjoy some!

Be sure to melt both the olive oil and butter in your pan, and don’t forget to add the red pepper flakes!

This dish is best served with crusty bread and a nice cold glass of chilled white wine.

16. Fragrant Thai-Style Clams in Coconut Broth

From fresh herbs to creamy coconut milk, this recipe will surely be one to keep in the books for decades to come.

It’s quick and easy and will have the whole house smelling fantastic before you’re finished.

You’ll need a heavy-bottomed soup pot with some specific ingredients, so be sure to plan for this delicious dinner meal. It’s best served with some lime wedges on the side, so make sure you grab yourself a few of those as well!

17. Michael Symon’s Linguine with Clams

This recipe is famous for many reasons, from the chef to the ingredients, it’ll be sure to wow the guests at your next dinner party and make you famous among friends as well. Be sure to use littleneck clams and DRY white wine for this dish.

Prepare your pasta, then heat a large skillet over medium to add your pancetta until it’s nice and crisp.

This recipe is delicious and can be completed from start to finish in just under 30 minutes.

18. Italian Sauteed Clams

If you feel like taking a trip to Italy but can’t find the time, we’ve got one of the best recipes with clams to make you feel right at home. With garlic and white wine with tomatoes and parsley, it’ll be one to surely have you writing home about.

Both salty and savory, these clams make an excellent pair with the combination of ingredients. If you’re looking for your next best mouth-watering masterpiece, you’ve got a winner with this one.

19. Drunken Clams and Sausage

This recipe is paired perfectly with white wine and just a touch of cream. When you add in some crusty, thick bread to the mix, your dinner can’t go wrong—searching for a new kind of comfort food? Check out these clams for your next big win.

If you’re thinking about new ways to use up that extra fennel from your garden, you’ll be able to use it in this recipe to finish it off. Make sure you’re breaking up the sausage as it cooks, and you’re good to go!

20. Rhode Island Clam Cakes

This recipe is not just simple, but it’s super quick as well. Just grab the easy list of ingredients you probably already have on hand, and mix them all well! Don’t forget to leave the juices in the canned clams!

After you’re done mixing all the goodness, drop ice cream scoop-sized dollops into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, drain on paper towels, and you’ve got yourself a quick and easy dinner!

21. Easy Seafood Paella Recipe

Looking for an easy recipe that tastes like a summer afternoon in Spain? Ahh, we thought so.

You’re going to want to get your hands on this next recipe because it’ll be sure to take you to that special spot in your mind.

Sometimes seen as Spain’s national dish, this paella typically contains chicken or rabbit. But this seafood version is sure to have your taste buds ready and waiting for the next indulgent bite.

22. Recipe: Mussels & Clams

How about a brothy bite of deliciousness next time you stay in? Check out this recipe to learn how to create the most amazing clam recipe on the web. With a wonderful blend of sausage, broth, and shellfish, it’s sure to be a win with every bite.

Be sure to pick yourself up some chorizo sausage, and go ahead and grab a nice bunch of the freshest parsley.

These ingredients are just some of what makes this dish delightful, and you’ll be glad you didn’t order take-out instead.

23. Italian Sauteed Clams

This recipe is a repeat of the same as above. (Number 18)

24. Seafood Arrabbiata

If you love some seafood and are always looking for new recipes to make for your family and friends, you’ll be happy knowing that this one is surely one the whole neighborhood will love.

Break out your EVOO and the seafood of your choosing because this dish is determined to make you the next best chef around.

Make sure you don’t forget to scrub and debeard your mussels! Grab some basil and parsley from your garden to top it all off.