Clams Royale
Clams Royale features tender steamed clams topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and herbs, offering a savory, flavorful appetizer perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scrub outside of clam shells thoroughly, discarding any broken or open clams.
- Soak clams in salted water for at least 3 hours to clean.
- Rinse and drain clams.
- Place water in a 2-quart casserole.
- Microwave at High for 2 to 3 1/2 minutes or until water boils.
- Add clams to the casserole.
- Cover and microwave at High for 3 to 5 1/2 minutes or until clams open, stirring once.
- Remove clams from casserole as they begin to open.
- Remove each clam from its shell.
- Reserve half of each shell.
- Mince the clams.
- Set aside for serving or further preparation.
Tips & Substitutions
For the freshest taste, use clams that are tightly closed. If using frozen clams, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. You can substitute the clams with mussels or shrimp for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Fresh herbs can also be replaced with dried ones, but reduce the amount used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Clams Royale warm, garnished with additional parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Pair with a light salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. These clams also go wonderfully with a glass of white wine. For a fun twist, you can serve them alongside a dip like Funeral Dip for a delightful appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover clams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Avoid overheating as it can make the clams tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clams Royale contains roughly 233 calories, with 17g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (352% of the Daily Value), iron (118% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. At about 233 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 use frozen clams for this recipe?
Yes, frozen clams can be used, but make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. Do not refreeze clams after cooking, as this can compromise their quality.
What can I do with leftover clam shells?
Leftover clam shells can be cleaned and used for serving other seafood dishes or as decorative elements on a seafood platter. You can also compost them if you have a garden, as they add valuable minerals to the soil.
How can I tell if the clams are fresh?
Fresh clams should be tightly closed or close when tapped. Discard any clams that remain open after tapping, as they may be dead and unsafe to eat. Additionally, fresh clams have a briny smell and should not have a strong fishy odor.
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).