Simple Beer Steamed Clams

Beer steamed clams make for a great summer dinner. While shellfish can be intimidating once the clams are scrubbed and picked through (discard any broken or open clams) it’s just a matter of adding them to a pot with a lid to steam with a can of beer.

This is a simple and delicious dish I recommend pairing with some toasted bread for dipping and a green side salad like this simple shredded kale salad or an heirloom tomato caprese salad for a summer dinner al fresco. Baked stuffed clams are another favorite of mine and if you have any leftover clams I recommend making New England clam chowder.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients for steamed clams
Tips for Buying Clams
Swaps and Substitutions
How to make beer steamed clams (step-by-step)
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimalist. While this recipe only requires a few simple ingredients, it’s packed with flavor.
Easy. Beer steamed clams come together quickly and are the perfect summer weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for steamed clams

Clams – I use smaller, more tender littleneck or steamer clams rather than tougher big clams in this recipe. Littleneck clams are tender with a sweet and briny flavor. Steamers have a soft shell rather than a hard shell.
Beer – I recommend using a lighter beer like a lager in this recipe. The clams will absorb the flavor of the beer and it becomes your broth so you don’t want anything with too many overpowering flavors. I choose to use an inexpensive option like Budweiser or Heineken.
Lemon – The acid from the lemon brings out the flavor of the beer and complements the clams.
Bread – A crusty bread is best for dipping in the broth, it absorbs the liquid without falling apart as you eat it! I like to warm it in the oven before serving.
Herbs – Before serving garnish the clams with fresh chopped herbs like fresh parsley, chives and fennel fronds. This is more for aesthetics but adds a nice finish to a simple dish.

A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Tips for Buying Clams

When you are buying clams, look for the smaller ones because they aren’t as tough and are ideal for steaming. I always prefer smaller clams like littlenecks or steamers, to larger ones like quahogs or cherrystones.

Discard any clams that are cracked or open prior to cooking – they will already be dead and may be decomposing.
Similarly, discard any that remain closed after cooking, don’t try to pry them open.
Make sure clams are thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned before use.
Prior to cooking add the clams to a large bowl of salted ice water. They will quickly expel the extra grit they are holding in the shell.

simple beer steamed clams with crusty bread.

Swaps and Substitutions

If you can’t find littleneck clams, you can substitute Manila clams (also known as Japanese littlenecks). They are generally smaller, sweeter, and more delicate than littleneck clams.
If you don’t have beer (or need a gluten free option) substitute 2 cups (473ml) of white wine.

How to make beer steamed clams (step-by-step)

pouring lager beer into a pot to boil. — **Step 1:** Bring beer to a boil.

Add the beer to a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

beer steamed clams ready to cover and steam. — **Step 2: Add clams.**

Add the clams to the pot and cover. Steam the clams until they open, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon transfer the clams to a large serving bowl.

beer steamed clams garnished with fresh chopped herbs in Dutch oven. — **Step 3: Garnish and serve.**

Garnish with herbs like fennel fronds, chives and parsley if desired. Serve the clams with lemon wedges and bread.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What clams work best?

Use smaller, tender littlenecks or soft‑shell “steamers”. They open easily and are sweet and juicy. Manila clams are a great alternative.

How do I clean clams?

Prior to cooking add the clams to a large bowl of salted ice water. They will quickly expel the extra grit they are holding in the shell. Give them a quick scrub then drain them and use as directed. Be sure to discard any cracked shells.

What beer is best for making beer steamed clams?

I recommend using a lighter beer like a lager in this recipe. I choose to use an inexpensive option like Budweiser or Heineken. Hoppy or darker beers (like an IPA or stout) can overpower the delicate flavor of the clams.

Can I use something other than beer to steam the clams?

Absolutely! I love using wine as an alternative to beer – try this recipe for clams in white wine garlic sauce with serrano peppers.

Can I add other elements?

This basic recipe skips aromatics for simplicity, but you can easily add garlic, butter, or even jalapeño for extra flavor.

How long do I steam clams?

Steam the clams until they open, about 6 minutes.

Give these other clam recipes a try:

Thanks for cooking with me! If you made this recipe, leave a 🌟 rating and share your thoughts or tips below. I’d love to hear from you!