How to Clean Clams  Like a Pro!

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And purge out all of the sand and grit!

Whether you're baking, steaming, or grilling fresh clams, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to clean clams like a pro. With these expert tips, every bite will guarantee a grit-free clam eating experience that's perfect for any recipe!

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– Fresh clams should be kept cold on ice and not soaking in melted water. – Clams should not have any broken shells or cracks in the shell. – Ask the fishmonger how long the clams have been in the store? I wouldn't buy clams that have been in the store for more than 2 days. – When the fishmonger packs the clams, they should be kept on ice and either in a mesh bag or another bag that is open so the clams can "breathe".

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When Buying Clams:

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Bringing Fresh Clams Home

Once you come home with your fresh clams, immediately take them out of the bag and put them in a large bowl of ice and keep them in the refrigerator.

Soak the Clams in Salted Water

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About an hour before cooking the clams, it's time to purge and clean them.  Place the clams in a large bowl filled with ice cold water and sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of Kosher salt into the water. Soak the clams in the salted water for 30-40 minutes.

Wash and Scrub the Clams

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At the 30 minute mark, begin scrubbing the clams. Use a soft bristled clam brush to scrub the outside of each clam to remove any debris.  This is a good time to double check for any cracks or breaks in the shell too.

Remove Clams from the Water

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As you remove the clams from the salted water, have another clean bowl ready to place the cleaned clams in. And once all of the clams are out of the bowl, you'll see all the sand and grit that the clams purged out!

Time to Cook the Clams!

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All that work will be worth it once you open up a perfectly tender clam with no grit!  Once the clams are cleaned, they're ready for your favorite clam recipes! Fresh clams only need 5-7 minutes of cooking until the shells just open up.

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Find all the helpful tips on how to clean clams like a pro on LittleFerraroKitchen.com Linked below!