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New England Clam Bake

A one-pot coastal feast of tender clams, sweet corn, and buttery potatoes steamed together in seasoned broth. Ready in under 30 minutes and packed with authentic New England flavor.

Total time
28 min
Servings
2
Calories
385
Protein
28g
New England Clam Bake
coastalfreshamericanclamstenderjuicyweeknightsummer

Ingredients

  • 12 whole littleneck clams, live
  • 8 oz red potatoes, unpeeled
  • 2 ears corn on the cob
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup white wine or water
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse each clam under cold running water while scrubbing its shell with a stiff brush to remove sand and dirt. Discard any clams with cracked shells or that remain open after rinsing.

  2. 2

    Cut the potatoes lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1-inch-thick half-moon pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

  3. 3

    Cut each ear of corn crosswise into 2-inch segments, creating 4 pieces per ear.

  4. 4

    Place the large pot on the stove and add the 3 tablespoons of butter. Turn the heat to medium-high and let the butter melt and turn light golden, about 1 minute.

  5. 5

    Pour the 1 cup of wine into the pot and bring it to a rolling boil (you'll see large bubbles rapidly breaking the surface), about 2 minutes.

  6. 6

    Add the potato pieces to the boiling liquid and cover the pot with a lid. Cook at a rolling boil until a fork easily pierces the thickest piece, about 8 minutes.

  7. 7

    Add the corn segments to the pot and replace the lid. Continue cooking at a rolling boil until the corn kernels taste tender and sweet when bitten, about 4 minutes.

  8. 8

    Add all 12 clams to the pot in a single layer, replace the lid, and cook at a rolling boil until every clam has opened its shell fully, about 5 minutes. Discard any clams that remain closed.

  9. 9

    Remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the surface to taste and stir gently once with a wooden spoon to distribute seasonings.

  10. 10

    Divide the clams, potatoes, and corn evenly between two large bowls, pouring the buttery broth over everything. Serve immediately.

Tools you’ll need

  • stiff brush
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • large pot with lid (at least 6 quarts)
  • wooden spoon
  • two large bowls

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