Published Aug 12, 2024
Chinese Clams Recipe
Clam stir fry is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, particularly in the Fujian province, including cities such as Fuzhou and Xiamen, as well as in Taiwan due to its historical ties with Fujian and the migration of mainland Chinese people. This dish is commonly served in hot stir-fry and seafood restaurants in these regions. In Taiwan, clam stir fry can often be found at “百元热炒”(bǎi yuán rè chǎo) stalls or casual eateries. These establishments are typically modest in appearance, with a cashier counter, round tables and chairs, and a hot stir-fry kitchen, sometimes visible to diners. “百元热炒” translates to NT$100 (about US$3.00) stir-fries, referring to popular and affordable dishes typically offered at these Chinese eateries. Although prices have risen with inflation, these dishes remain quite affordable. Dining at these establishments is a popular aspect of food culture in Taipei. Some of the most popular dishes include: three -cup chicken, 3-cup squid, and ginger and clam soup. They are perfect for sharing with friends, enjoying as a late-night supper, and especially great with a cold beer. This type of stir-fry has a comforting, homey quality but is often hard to find in Chinese restaurants in Malaysia or the US. So, if a trip to China or Taiwan isn’t on the horizon, give my Chinese clam recipe a try at home! Looking for more clam recipes? Check out my Malaysian Kam Heong Clams, Chili Clams, and Thai Clams recipe!
Stir Fry Clams
There are all sorts of stir fry clams recipe in Chinese cooking; you can make it with black bean sauce, oyster sauce, or ginger and scallion sauce. In this recipe, the combination is spiked with garlic, fresh red chilies, adding not only a pop of red color to the finished dish, but a tint of garlicky, spicy taste, and mild heat to the clam dish. This clam stir fry recipe is absolutely delightful, with its tender, succulent clams mingling perfectly with ginger, scallions, red chilies, and a savory, flavorful sauce that ties it all together.
Chinese Clams Ingredients
This super easy Asian clam stir-fry calls for the simple ingredients listed below:
Clams: Any hard-shelled clams will work, such as Manila clams, littleneck clams, cherry stone clams, or pippies. Garlic and ginger: These aromatics lend both gingery and garlicky notes to the sauce. Red chili: Adds a pop of vibrant color to the dish and imparts the savory sauce with mild heat, enhancing the overall flavor. Shaoxing wine: This Chinese rice wine is often used in stir-fries to elevate the aroma of the dish. Sesame oil: An important ingredient that helps mute the fishy taste of the clams. Oyster sauce and soy sauce: This classic duo is used in most Asian stir-fries. Scallions: Adds a pop of green color to the clams and enhances the taste of the sauce.
Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full details on each ingredient.
How To Cook Chinese Style Clams
Stir-fried with the basic Chinese seasonings of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, and infused with the spiciness of fresh red chilies, these clams retain the original briny sweet taste.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are some of my cooking tips to ensure kitchen success:
Cleaning: To clean clams, soak them in cold water with a bit of salt for about 20 minutes to help them expel sand and grit, then scrub the shells with a brush or with both hands to remove any remaining debris. Proper Searing: Heat your pan until it’s very hot before adding the clams to ensure they sear nicely and open up quickly, which helps retain their natural juices. Aromatics First: Sauté ginger and garlic in a bit of oil until fragrant before adding clams. This will infuse the dish with their flavors and ensure they are well-distributed. Add Red Chilies for Heat: If you like spicy, add more fresh red chilies to the recipe. This will give your stir fry a more intense heat and vibrant color. Don’t Overcook: Clams cook quickly—once they open, they are done. Overcooking can make them tough and chewy, so remove them from the heat as soon as they’re cooked through.
What To Serve With Chinese Clams
This clam dish is best served with steamed rice. For a Chinese meal and dinner at home, I recommend the following recipes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
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