Garlic Butter Razor Clams - Rasa Malaysia (2024)

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Razor Clam Recipes

I love razor clams. They are so sweet, delicious, firm, and tender, so it’s easily one of my favorite clams to eat! They are becoming increasingly popular too, often appearing on the menus of fine dining establishments when in season.

Among the best razor clam recipes—steamed, grilled, baked, or broiled in their shell—my go-to is steamed and topped with a classic garlic butter and pepper sauce. Some people deep fry the meat or even eat it raw in ceviche.

Want to steam your clams instead? Save my Steamed Clams in Beer and Garlic Butter Steamers recipe for later!

What Are Razor Clams

Razor clams are a type of long, thin clams named for their distinct shapes that strongly look like a straight razor. Also called bamboo clams, these saltwater clams are found in the sandy areas of the northern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska all the way down to Baja California.

There are two types of razor clams: Pacific razor clam and Atlantic razor clam. The main difference between the two is the shape.

The Pacific variety, usually found in the waters of Washington and Oregon, has a rounder, shorter, and more egg-shaped shell. The Atlantic species, on one hand, are longer and oblong in shape with an average length of 6 inches, resembling a straight razor.

As for the taste, bamboo clams have a sweet, briny flavor often compared to oysters. They have a firm texture that becomes so tender when cooked properly. In general, it has a more delicate and refined flavor than other types of clams.

When Is Razor Clam Season

On the West Coast of the United States, these bamboo clams are mostly found in Washington state.

The clam digging season typically runs from the end of October to the end of December. During this time, low tides tend to occur in the afternoon or evening, so no digging is allowed before noon to make sure that the clams have enough time to burrow back into the sand.

If you live in Washington or are planning to visit, this can be an excellent time to try your hand at clamming. Check out the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website for more information.

Garlic Butter Razor Clam Ingredients

• Razor clam – use fresh clams for the best flavor and texture. You can buy them in Asian supermarkets or seafood stores when they are in season. See the instructions below on how to clean them. You can also use Manila clams or littleneck clams in almost all razor clam recipes.
• Butter – for a rich and creamy flavor in the sauce that makes it extra special!
• Garlic – adds a distinct savory flavor that pairs well with butter and seafood.
• Pepper – gives a warm, slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.

How To Clean Razor Clam

Cooking razor clams is not rocket science, but before anything else, you need to ensure that they are properly cleaned. To get rid of any residual sand, follow these simple steps:

1. Add salt to a big container of cold water.
2. Soak the clams in the cold water. Make sure the water covers the clams.
3. Set aside for 30 minutes.
4. Drain the water and rinse the clams with cold running water.
5. Transfer the clams to a colander and drain the excess water.

How To Cook Razor Clams

In this recipe, I cooked the bamboo clams using a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. I made a garlic butter pepper sauce to go with it, adding a luxurious and flavorful touch to the dish.If you want to try a different flavor, I recommend making this Italian Sauteed Clams recipe for next time!

Here’s how to make one of the easiest razor clam recipes at home:

Helpful Tips for Home Cooks

• I look for clams that are tightly closed and discard any that are cracked or open.
• I soak the clams in salted water for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to help purge any remaining sand or grit.
• I make sure the cast-iron skillet is very hot so the clams sizzle and cook quickly.
• I avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What To Serve With Bamboo Clams

These garlic butter razor clams can served as an appetizer, a main dish, or even added to pasta dishes like Spaghetti with Clams and Zucchini. Pair it with side dishes like grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

For a seafood dinner, 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 myRecipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to mynewsletterand following me onFacebook,Pinterest,andInstagramfor new updates.

Other Recipes You Might Like

• Sauteed Clams
• Steamed Clams
• Garlic Butter Steamers