Craving a light yet flavorful dish bursting with fresh tastes of Thailand? Look no further than this easy recipe for Thai-style clams! This recipe delivers the vibrant flavors of authentic Thai cuisine without the heavy cream or complicated techniques often associated with it. Imagine succulent clams swimming in a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, garlic, chilies, and the bright zest of lime – a perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory. It's a quick and healthy weeknight meal that's equally impressive for a casual dinner party.
This incredibly simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it ideal for even the busiest weeknights. Forget complicated cooking methods – this dish prioritizes fresh flavors and ease of preparation. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step guide below!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Container
- Fridge
Ingredients
- Clams
- Bird's eye chilies
- Lemongrass
- Garlic
- Coriander roots
- Coriander leaves
- Galangal root
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Salt
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Clean and Prep Clams & Ingredients
- Properly clean the clams. Rinse clams, transfer to a container, cover with water and add salt. Refrigerate for at least one hour to purge impurities.
- Scrub and clean each clam individually, placing them in clean water. Let it sit for another hour.
- Remove the heart belts and outer layers of lemongrass, keeping only the tender parts. Mince garlic finely. Remove tiny hairs from coriander roots and cut into 2cm lengths. Keep coriander leaves separate. Peel and thinly slice galangal root. Remove chili seeds and cut into thin shreds. Remove leaf stalks of kaffir lime leaves and bruise or tear the leaves.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan. Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add coriander root, galangal, lemongrass, and chilies. Stir-fry until slightly browned.
- Add kaffir lime leaves and stir-fry for one minute.
Step 3. Cook the Clams
- Add clams, fish sauce, and lime juice. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes on high heat.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with coriander and serve.
Read more: Fresh Thai Steamed Fish: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of chilies to your preference.
- Proper cleaning of clams is crucial for a good dish.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 200-250
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbs: 10-15g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen clams instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain them well before cooking to prevent a watery broth. Fresh clams will have a superior flavor and texture, though.
2. What can I substitute for fish sauce if I don't have any?
Soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but use it sparingly as it's saltier than fish sauce. You might want to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a hint of umami to compensate.
This Easy Low-Fat Thai Style Clams recipe is a testament to how simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful a meal can be. Enjoy the bright, zesty flavors and the satisfyingly quick cooking time – perfect for a weeknight treat or a light and elegant meal. So grab your ingredients and get ready to savor the taste of Thailand in your own kitchen!