Clams La Ray
Clams La Ray features tender chopped clams baked with a savory mixture of butter, mushrooms, herbs, and bread crumbs, offering a delicious seafood dish perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scrub and shuck the clams, then save the shells and reserve the liquid.
- Chop the clams into small pieces.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine melted butter, chopped parsley, chopped celery, minced garlic, chopped onions, drained sliced mushrooms, and beaten eggs in a bowl.
- Add bread crumbs gradually until the mixture reaches a thick but spreadable consistency.
- Stuff the clam shells with the mixture.
- Place the stuffed shells on a baking dish and bake for about 15 minutes, until golden brown on top.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the clam mixture. If you're out of clams, you can substitute with mussels or shrimp. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs. Ensure the clams are fresh; if any are open before cooking, discard them. For a similar seafood dish, try the Mackerel Loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed clams hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Pair with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful seafood experience, consider serving alongside the Dill And Lemon Flounder Bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Clams La Ray in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, place the stuffed shells in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the clams tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clams La Ray contains roughly 1545 calories, with 30g protein, 263g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (123% of the Daily Value), potassium (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 994mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the clam stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the clam stuffing a few hours ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to stuff the shells. However, it's best to stuff the clams just before baking to maintain the texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of clams?
If clams are unavailable, you can use shrimp or scallops for a different but delicious variation. Just ensure to chop them finely to match the texture of the original recipe. These alternatives will still deliver a tasty seafood dish.
How do I know if the clams are fresh?
Fresh clams should be closed tightly. If any clams are open, tap them lightly; if they don't close, discard them. Additionally, check for any off-putting odors. Fresh clams should smell like the ocean, not fishy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).