Manila Clams Guide | Best Recipes & Cooking Tips

by Oleg Nikitenko March 08, 2025

Manila Clams: A Seafood Lover’s Guide to Cooking & Enjoying This Delicacy

What Are Manila Clams?

Manila clams (Venerupis philippinarum) are small, tender, and mildly sweet shellfish found along the Pacific coastlines of North America and Asia. They are one of the most sought-after clams in the culinary world due to their:

✅ Sweet & briny flavor – Perfectly balanced taste of the ocean
✅ Tender meat – Less chewy than other clams, making them easy to enjoy
✅ Quick cooking time – Cooks in just 5-7 minutes for effortless meals
✅ Nutrient-rich – High in protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids

How to Buy & Store Manila Clams

To get the best flavor and freshness, it’s important to choose and store Manila clams properly.

🛍 How to Select Fresh Manila Clams

🔹 Shells should be closed – Open shells indicate that the clam may be dead
🔹 Fresh ocean scent – Clams should smell like seawater, not fishy or rotten
🔹 Firm & heavy – A healthy clam should feel weighty for its size

📌 Where to Buy? Order Fresh Manila Clams Here

❄️ How to Store Manila Clams

✅ Refrigerate immediately – Keep clams in a breathable container
✅ Cover with a damp cloth – Helps maintain freshness
✅ Do NOT store in water – Clams will die if submerged for too long
✅ Use within 1-2 days – Freshness is key for the best flavor

⛔ Can you freeze Manila clams?
❌ No! Freezing live clams affects their texture and taste. Cook them fresh for the best experience.

How to Clean & Prepare Manila Clams

Before cooking, cleaning Manila clams is essential to remove sand and grit.

🧼 Cleaning Steps:

1️⃣ Rinse under cold water – Scrub the shells with a brush to remove debris.
2️⃣ Purge sand – Soak clams in cold salted water (¼ cup salt per liter) for 20-30 minutes.
3️⃣ Rinse again – Discard any clams that remain open after tapping (these are dead).

📌 Pro Tip: Adding cornmeal to the soaking water helps the clams purge sand faster!

How to Cook Manila Clams

Manila clams cook quickly and are versatile in many dishes. Here are the best ways to cook them:

1️⃣ Classic Steamed Manila Clams

Steaming Manila clams enhances their natural sweetness while preserving their tender texture.

🥘 Ingredients:

2 lbs Manila clams
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Sauté garlic in butter over medium heat for 1 min.
2️⃣ Add white wine & bring to a simmer.
3️⃣ Add Manila clams & cover for 5-7 mins, shaking the pot occasionally.
4️⃣ Discard any unopened clams.
5️⃣ Garnish with parsley & serve with crusty bread.

📌 Calories: ~150 per serving | Cost: ~$20-$25

👉 Get Premium Manila Clams Here

2️⃣ Linguine with Manila Clams

A seafood pasta classic—simple, elegant, and bursting with ocean flavors.

🍝 Ingredients:

1 lb linguine
2 lbs Manila clams
3 cloves garlic (sliced)
½ cup dry white wine
¼ cup olive oil
1 tsp red pepper flakes
¼ cup parsley (chopped)
Lemon zest for garnish

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook linguine in salted water, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2️⃣ Sauté garlic & red pepper flakes in olive oil.
3️⃣ Add clams & white wine, cover & steam for 5-7 mins.
4️⃣ Remove opened clams & toss pasta with clam broth.
5️⃣ Garnish with parsley & lemon zest.

📌 Calories: ~450 per serving | Cost: ~$18-$22

👉 Find the Best Manila Clams Here

Common Mistakes When Cooking Manila Clams

❌ Overcooking the Clams
🔹 Clams should only cook for 5-7 mins until they open. Overcooked clams turn tough and rubbery.

❌ Not Cleaning Clams Properly
🔹 Soak clams in salted water for at least 20 minutes to remove sand & grit.

❌ Using Too Much Salt
🔹 Manila clams are naturally briny, so taste before adding extra salt.

FAQs About Manila Clams

Q1: Are Manila clams sustainable?

✅ Yes! Manila clams are farmed responsibly with minimal environmental impact.

Q2: What’s the best wine pairing for Manila clams?

🍷 Best Choices:

Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp acidity balances the briny sweetness
Chardonnay – Richness complements buttery clam dishes

Q3: Can I use frozen Manila clams?

❌ Fresh clams taste best, but frozen clams can be used in soups & stews.

Where to Buy Fresh Manila Clams

For high-quality, sustainably sourced Manila clams, visit Global Seafoods for the freshest seafood selection:

🔹 Manila Clams – Order Here
🔹 Live Seafood Collection
🔹 Fresh Mussels
🔹 Fresh Geoduck
🔹 Premium Abalone
🔹 Gooseneck Barnacles

📺 Watch Seafood Cooking Tutorials:
🔹 Global Seafoods YouTube Channel

🔥 Experience the Delicate Flavor of Manila Clams Today!