Clams: A Cook's Guide

Clams are not nationally regulated, so sizes may vary slightly by municipality. What’s important is that you (a) don’t poach anything illegal and (b) match clam type to proper cooking method. Also , the number of clams each person will eat will vary with age, hunger and enthusiasm. Gauge your crowd accordingly.

STEAMER
 

Type: 
Soft-shell
Size (measured across the hinge, in diameter, or by weight as noted):
>1½ inches in diameter
Cooking Methods:
Steamed
Fried
Clams per Person:
24–36

LITTLENECK
 

Type:
Hard
Size (measured across the hinge, in diameter, or by weight as noted):
1 inch across the hinge
Cooking Methods:
Raw
Steamed
Grilled
Baked as Clams Casino or Rockefeller
Clams per Person:
12 raw
8 cooked

TOP NECK
 

Type: 
Hard
Size (measured across the hinge, in diameter, or by weight as noted):
2 inches across the hinge
Cooking Methods:
Raw
Steamed
Grilled
Baked as Clams Casino or Rockefeller
Clams per Person:
8 raw
6 cooked

CHERRYSTONE
 

Type: 
Hard
Size (measured across the hinge, in diameter, or by weight as noted):
3 inches across the hinge
Cooking Methods:
Raw
Steamed
Grilled
Baked as Clams Casino or Rockefeller
Fried
Clams per Person:
6 raw
4 cooked

CHOWDER
 

Type: 
Hard
Size (measured across the hinge, in diameter, or by weight as noted):
4 inches across the hinge
Cooking Methods:
Chopped for baked clams,
clam fritters,
or chowder
Clams per Person:
2 baked
3 fritters
1 cup chowder

SOURCE: NJ Shellfish Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Report 2015 Production Year. Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station, 2017; Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Report 2015 Production Year. Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, William & Mary, 2017.

More things to EAT
 

More from the FALL 2018 ISSUE