Spicy Stir-Fried Baby Clams with Peppers & Red Onion

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Clams

• 1½ lbs (700 g) baby clams, cleaned

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

For the Vegetables

• ½ red onion, sliced

• ½ green bell pepper, sliced

• ½ red bell pepper, sliced

• 2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce

• 1 tsp dark soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp sugar

• ¼ tsp white pepper

• 2 tbsp water

Optional Garnish

• Sliced green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Fresh cilantro

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Clams

If using fresh baby clams:

1. Soak them in salted water for 30 minutes to remove sand.

2. Rinse thoroughly.

3. Blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes until they open.

4. Drain well.

Step 2 – Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Oyster sauce

• Soy sauce

• Dark soy sauce

• Chili garlic sauce

• Sesame oil

• Sugar

• White pepper

• Water

Set aside.

Step 3 – Stir-Fry

Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.

Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add:

• Red onion

• Bell peppers

• Fresh chilies

Cook for about 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 4 – Add the Clams

Add the clams to the wok.

Pour in the prepared sauce.

Stir-fry over high heat for 2–3 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

Do not overcook to keep the clams tender.

Step 5 – Serve

Transfer to a serving dish.

Garnish with:

• Green onions

• Sesame seeds

• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Serve immediately.

Chef's Tips

• Fresh baby clams provide the sweetest flavor, but frozen, pre-cleaned clams also work well.

• Cook over high heat to achieve a restaurant-style stir-fry.

• Add a splash of Shaoxing wine or dry white wine for extra depth.

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of fresh chilies or add chili oil.

• Serve immediately to preserve the clams' tender texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

• Steamed jasmine rice

• Garlic fried rice

• Stir-fried noodles

• Bok choy or Chinese broccoli

• Cucumber salad

• Chilled lager or sparkling water with lime

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~290 kcal

• Protein: 24 g

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Fat: 16 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 4 g

• Sodium: 760 mg

Serving Description

Tender baby clams are quickly stir-fried with garlic, ginger, colorful bell peppers, red onion, and fresh chilies in a savory oyster-soy sauce. This vibrant seafood dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, making it an excellent weeknight meal served over hot steamed rice or alongside your favorite Asian-inspired sides.