How to Clean Clams

5 from 4 votes

Learn how to clean clams like a pro to ensure the clams purge out all of the sand and you won't bite into any sand or grit!

Prep Time30

Cook Time7

Soaking30

Total Time1 7

Course: Appetizer, Main

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: cleaning clams, how to clean clams, how to get the frit out of clams

Servings: servings

Calories: 29kcal

When buying clams, check to make sure they smell fresh and briny and are kept on ice. Do not buy any clams that have cracks or broken shells.
As soon as you bring the clams home, remove them from the bag and place them on ice in a large bowl until you are ready to clean and cook them.
About 1 hour before cooking, place the clams in a large bowl of ice cold water and sprinkle with salt. Let the clams soak in the slated water to purge out any sand or debris.
After about 30 minutes, wash and scrub the outside of each clam and place them in a separate clean bowl.
Discard any accumulated sand or debris and now you're ready to cook the fresh clams!
Add the fresh clams to your favorite recipe, and cook the clams for 5-7 minutes until the shells just open open.

Discard any clams that have broken or cracked shells.
Discard clams that do not open or do not close when gently tapped.
Clams are best cooked and enjoyed the same day they are bought, but can last another day on ice in the refrigerator.