Craving a fiery, flavorful dish that's bursting with umami? Look no further than Spicy Clam Sambal, a vibrant Chinese-inspired recipe that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. This dish perfectly balances the briny sweetness of fresh clams with the rich, complex heat of sambal—a fiery chili paste that adds a delightful kick. The combination of fragrant garlic, ginger, and a touch of lime creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that's impressive enough for a dinner party.
Forget complicated cooking techniques; this recipe is surprisingly simple to execute. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve perfectly cooked clams nestled in a luscious, spicy sauce. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- scissors
- deep bowl
- blender
Ingredients
- Dried red chili: 6-7 pieces
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves
- Fresh ginger: 2 inches
- Shallots: 4-6 pieces
- Hot pepper/chilis: 2-3 pieces
- Cooking oil: 2-3 tablespoons
- Fully ripe tomatoes: medium size
- Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Tomato ketchup: 2 tablespoons
- Raw sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Clams: 1 kilogram
- Coriander: some (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Sambal Base
- Cut dried red chilies lengthwise, remove seeds, and soak in warm water for 10 minutes.
- Blend soaked chilies, garlic, ginger, shallots, and hot peppers with cooking oil.
- Blend ripe tomatoes into a puree.
- Mix fish sauce, oyster sauce, tomato ketchup, and raw sugar.
- Heat cooking oil, add aromatic paste, and cook until water evaporates.
- Add tomato puree and cook.
- Add water to loosen the mixture.
- Add the condiment mixture and simmer for 4-5 minutes.
Step 2. Clean and Prepare the Clams
- Soak clams in water for 2 hours to overnight to remove dirt.
Step 3. Cook the Clams
- Add clams and simmer for 2 minutes. Do not overcook.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped coriander (optional).
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Do not overcook the clams to maintain their tenderness.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen clams instead of fresh clams?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen clams may release more water, potentially diluting the sauce.
2. What if I don't have all the sambal ingredients? Can I substitute?
You can use store-bought sambal oelek for convenience. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness. If you're making your own sambal, feel free to omit ingredients you don't have on hand, but be aware it may alter the final flavor profile.
This Spicy Clam Sambal recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor. Enjoy this quick and satisfying dish as a weeknight meal or a show-stopping appetizer. From now on, you’ll be reaching for this vibrant, flavorful recipe again and again!