Published Sep 07, 2024
Lala Recipe
In Malaysia, “lala” is a general term for local clams. Depending on the region, “lala” or “lala clams” can refer to different species of clams. Regardless, these clams are commonly found along the coastal regions of Malaysia and are a popular shellfish, loved by many Malaysians. In Penang Island—my hometown—lala specifically refers to a type of small clam with thin shells. Outside of Penang, these delicate bivalves are also known as “pok khak,” which literally means “thin shells” in the local dialect.
Stir Fry Lala Clams Recipe
These lala are briny and delicious, with tender meat that absorbs flavors wonderfully. My favorite childhood recipe is a lala recipe made by my late mother. She would stir fry them simply with soy sauce, ginger, scallions, and fresh red chilies. Sometimes, she would also add taucheo, or fermented soy beans, for an extra layer of depth. The sweetness of the lala, combined with the savory sauce, makes it perfect served alongside steamed rice or a bowl of porridge, complemented by other Teochew porridge side dishes. The combination of flavors creates a satisfying and comforting meal that highlights the best of traditional Malaysian Chinese cuisine.
How To Clean Lala Clams
Lala are found in coastal regions of Malaysia, thriving in muddy or sandy substrates in shallow sea waters. Due to their habitat, they often contain mud or sand inside. Here are the simple steps to clean them:
Place the clams in a large bowl and rinse them under cold water to remove surface dirt, scrubbing with your hands as you go. Drain the water and repeat this process a few times. Next, soak the clams in cold water with a bit of salt for 20-30 minutes to help them expel any sand or grit. After soaking, scrub the shells one last time to remove any remaining debris. Rinse the clams again under cold water, drain them in a colander, and set them aside. Finally, discard any clams that don’t close when tapped, as these may be bad.
Following these steps will ensure your lala are clean and ready to cook.
Soy Sauce Lala Ingredients
My family’s recipe for lala clams is very simple and calls for the following ingredients:
Lala: Fresh lala from the wet market are best. Ginger: Cut into thin strips. Red chili: Cut into pieces; use more if you prefer extra spiciness. Soy sauce Dark soy sauce: to add color to the dish. Sugar Scallions
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
What To Serve With Lala Clams
Below are the homecooked dishes I grew up eating, which pair perfectly with lala. 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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