Clams are considered a very lean protein source rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, copper and vitamin B-12. A 1 oz. portion of steamed clams contains fewer than 35 calories and 1g of fat as well as non-cholesterol sterols that actually decrease the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. If you don't have a steamer, you can quickly prepare clams in your microwave for a convenient and healthy source of protein.
Step 1
Sort through your clams and discard any that are chipped or broken. If purchasing them live, only select clams that close up tightly when tapped.
Step 2
Place clams in a colander and rinse under cold water. Transfer the clams to a microwave-safe bowl. Littleneck, cherrystone or steamer clams work well in the microwave.
Step 3
Microwave the clams on high until the clam shells pop open completely. Ten medium-sized clams should take eight to 10 minutes to steam.
Step 4
Strain the liquid from the bottom of the bowl through cheese cloth to remove any excess sand or debris. Use the filtered clam juice to flavor sauces or soups.
Step 5
Serve clams right away with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce or hot sauce. While butter is a traditional dipping sauce for clams, other options have plenty of flavor without the fat content.
Tips and Warnings
- According to the Food and Drug Administration, pregnant women can safely eat up to 12 oz. of shellfish per week. Look for an FDA tag or label on your clams to ensure they were caught and processed according to regulation.
- Only store fresh clams in the refrigerator if you plan on cooking them within two days. Otherwise, store them in your freezer.
Things You'll Need
- Clams
- Colander
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Cheese cloth
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