Clams with Jalapeno Lemon and Basil

Dive into a bowl of coastal charm with this vibrant recipe for Clams with Jalapeño, Lemon, and Basil—a dish that perfectly balances bold, zesty flavors with the briny sweetness of fresh clams. Succulent littleneck or Manila clams are steamed in a fragrant broth of dry white wine, garlic, and butter, elevated with the gentle heat of sliced jalapeño, the brightness of lemon zest and juice, and the herbal freshness of chopped basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy yet elegant recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a stunning seafood appetizer. Don’t forget to serve it with crusty bread to soak up the luscious broth, making every bite a rich, aromatic experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Fresh clams (preferably littleneck or manila)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Jalapeno, thinly sliced
• 1 medium Lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 cup Dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 loaf Crusty bread (for serving, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Scrub the clams under cold water to remove any grit or dirt. Discard any clams that are cracked or do not close when tapped.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat until the butter is melted and foamy.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sliced jalapeno to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and pour in the white wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid.

Step 5

Add the cleaned clams to the pot and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Let the clams steam for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until the clams open. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking.

Step 6

Remove the lid and sprinkle the basil, salt, and black pepper over the clams. Stir gently to combine and coat the clams in the sauce.

Step 7

Serve immediately in shallow bowls, spooning some of the flavorful broth over the clams. Pair with crusty bread for dipping, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1924.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2458.9

Total Fat 75.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 370.4mg	0%
Sodium 4403.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 236.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.3g	0%
Total Sugars 11.3g
Protein 150.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1057.7mg	0%
Iron 148.4mg	0%
Potassium 3221.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.5%

Protein: 27.1%

Carbs: 42.4%