Razor clams, or navajas in Spanish, are a healthy and delicious type of seafood. While most people order mussels or regular clams when they go to a Mediterranean restaurant, not many dare to try razor clams. But let me tell you, not only should you order them the next time you’re at a seafood restaurant, but you should also try cooking razor clams at home.
In this razor clam recipe, you’ll learn:
- How to prepare razor clams for cooking
- How to cook them in less than 10 minutes
- About the benefits of eating razor clams
Below, I’ve prepared a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook razor clams, but you can skip straight to the recipe below:
Jump to RecipeHow to make a Spanish-style razor clam recipe
Step one: Clean and prepare razor clams
Like most mollusks, razor clams filter water, so when you buy them whole, they might have some sand inside the shell. To remove as much sand as possible, soak them in saltwater for at least an hour before cooking. Simply pour tap water into a bowl and add a few generous tablespoons of salt. Replace the dirty water at least 2-3 times during this process. The salt will make the clams open up and expel the sand.
Step two: Chop the aromatics
As razor clams take very little time to cook, prepare the aromatics in advance. Chop three cloves of garlic and fresh parsley into thin pieces. For added flavor, you can also keep the parsley stems.
Step three: Sear the clams
Remove the razor clams from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel. In a large saucepan, pour two to three tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the razor clams with the meaty side down. Let them cook for about 1-2 minutes. Meanwhile, add a piece of butter, chopped garlic, and parsley to the side of the pan. Keep the heat high and let the aromatics sear alongside the clams.
When you flip the razor clams, season them with salt and pepper, and baste them with the oil infused with parsley and garlic. This whole process only takes 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as overcooked razor clams can become chewy.
Step four: Serve
Take the pan off the heat and drizzle lemon juice over the clams. You can also garnish the finished dish with more fresh parsley. I like to eat razor clams just like that with fresh bread, dipping it in that fragrant oil.
Spanish-Style Razor Clams
Ingredients
- 6 Razor clams
- 3 Cloves of garlic
- Fresh parsley
- 2-3 tbsp Olive oil
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Soak razor clams in saltwater for 1 hour, changing water 2-3 times.
- Chop garlic and parsley finely.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Pat dry clams with a paper towel. Sear clams meat-side down for 1-2 minutes. Add butter, garlic, and parsley to the pan. Flip clams, season with salt and pepper, and baste with infused oil. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, drizzle with lemon juice, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with fresh bread for dipping in the fragrant oil. Skanaus!
Did you like the recipe? Rate it below and leave a comment to let me know how it went!
Can you eat razor clams?
Yes, razor clams are delicious, healthy, and safe to eat. If you like seafood, you’ll love razor clams. They have a mild flavor that tastes of the sea, with a slightly chewy texture.
Razor clams are not only tasty but also nutritious. They are high in protein and low in fat and calories. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked razor clams provides around 16 grams of high-quality, lean protein.
Razor clams are rich in vitamins and minerals. They’re an excellent source of vitamin B12, iron, selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and other antioxidants and beneficial nutrients. What’s more is that razor clams, unlike a lot of other fish and seafood, are low in mercury.
However, you should always buy razor clams from a trusted source and eat them as soon as possible after buying. You can also freeze razor clams if you don’t plan to eat them within 1-2 days. It’s also important to cook them thoroughly to eliminate any possible contamination with bacteria or parasites.
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Where are razor clams found?
You can find razor clams in various places around the world. They live on sandy beaches, buried in the sand. They can extend their muscular “foot” to dig themselves into the sediment. During low tides, their “shows” (long narrow shells protruding from the sand) can sometimes be visible.
If you’ve ever walked on the beach and saw bubbles coming from tiny holes in the sand when the tide ebbs, it’s likely that there is a razor clam underneath. I know it sounds like something from “Stranger Things” but it’s completely natural.
Razor clams are naturally found in North America: the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, and the northern California coasts) and the Atlantic Coast (from New Jersey to Labrador, Canada).
In Europe, most razor clams come from the Atlantic coasts and the Mediterranean Sea.
You can also find different types of razor clams in South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
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