Delicious Clam Ceviche Recipe: Perfect Summer Appetizer
Hello there fellow food lovers! Today, I am thrilled to share with you my latest culinary creation: the clam ceviche recipe. If you’re looking for a dish that’s light, refreshing and packed with flavor, then look no further. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or just as a tasty treat to enjoy any time of the year.
As someone who specializes in Brazilian and American cuisine, I derived inspiration from Mexican ceviche recipes and added my own personal touch. The end result is a delightful blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds fully satisfied.
In this article, I’ll be sharing with you the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the dish, variations you can try to make it your own, serving suggestions, and other tips to get perfect results every time.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some tortilla chips, invite your friends over, and let’s dive into this delicious clam ceviche recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all seafood lovers! Are you seeking a flavor sensation that will awaken your taste buds? Then look no further than this incredible Clam Ceviche Recipe. This epicurean delight combines the tangy, refreshing flavors of lime and grapefruit with succulent morsels of littleneck clams and razor clams.
As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I assure you that this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special event, date night or just treating yourself after a long day.
Not only is this clam ceviche recipe savory and satisfying, but it’s also incredibly healthy. Clams are an excellent source of lean protein and provide essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12, iron and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, the low-fat content in clams will help keep you feeling full without weighing you down.
This ceviche recipe is sure to impress your guests and transport them straight to the shores of Baja California with its authentic Mexican flavor profile. So why not serve up a fresh batch for your next dinner party with some tortilla chips or pair it with a crisp white wine for an indulgent craving satiating snack. Trust me; you’ll love this clam ceviche recipe as much as I do!
Ingredient List
Here is everything you’ll need to make this Clam Ceviche Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups fresh lime juice
- Juice of 2 pink grapefruit
- 1/4 cup clam juice
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 3 tbsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lbs. littleneck clams, cleaned
- 4 razor clams, cleaned and thinly sliced
- 1 cup baby clams, drained and rinsed
- 2-3 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Note: For the best quality and flavor, select clams that are tightly shut or close when tapped. Avoid those that are already open as they may not be fresh anymore.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1. Place the clams in a large bowl or container with cold water and kosher salt. Soak for at least 20 minutes to allow clams to purge any sand.
Step 2. Rinse the clams under cold running water until no more traces of sand can be seen. Set aside.
Make the Ceviche
Step 1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, lemon juice, clam juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of kosher salt.
Step 2. Add diced red onion, finely diced jalapeno pepper, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and chopped mint leaves to the liquid mixture.
Step 3. Open up the clams that you set aside earlier by prying them open over stray or container—high above them. Carefully pour the liquid into a separate container without disturbing any sediment that may have settled on the bottom of the initial container.
Step 4. Roughly chop each clam into small pieces before adding it to the liquid mixture.
Chill and Serve
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap, refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. The heat from the jalapeno will dissipate, while all other flavors will marry together in that time.
Before serving mix thoroughly, garnish with sliced avocado, cilantro or even chopped cucumber.
Serve immediately with tortilla chips on top or on the side – depending on your preference!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this clam ceviche recipe is that it’s adaptable to your taste buds and preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions that you can try:
– Citrus: You can experiment with different types of citrus fruits, such as oranges or lemons, instead of pink grapefruit. Yuzu can also provide a unique tangy flavor to the ceviche.
– Clams: If you don’t have access to littleneck clams, you can use other types of clams such as razor clams, surf clams, or cherrystone clams. Just make sure they are fresh and clean before using them in the ceviche.
– Seafood: Don’t limit yourself to just clams! You can add other seafood like shrimp or fish to the mix. A popular variation of ceviche is “shrimp aguachile,” where shrimp is marinated in a spicy citrus sauce.
– Onion: If you’re not a fan of raw red onion, you can switch it up and use finely diced shallots or scallions for an even milder onion flavor.
– Heat level: Feel free to adjust the spiciness of the ceviche by adding more jalapeño or serrano peppers. If you prefer a milder taste, just remove the seeds and veins from the peppers before dicing them up.
– Mint leaves: If you’re not a fan of mint, you can omit it from the recipe altogether or replace it with cilantro or basil leaves for a different flavor profile.
Remember to always taste-test and adjust the seasoning as necessary until you get that perfect balance of acid, salt, and sweetness. The possibilities for variations are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve prepared this delicious clam ceviche recipe, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. The best way to serve clam ceviche is to present it in a clear bowl or platter to showcase its beautiful colors and textures.
This dish goes well with a variety of drinks, including Mexican beer or a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also enjoy it with a refreshing cocktail, like a mojito or margarita, which will complement the dish’s citrusy flavors.
For a complete meal, pair this clam ceviche with tortilla chips or toasted crostini for an extra crunch. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled seafood or meat. Fresh guacamole or salsa can also be great accompaniments for an even more flavorful experience.
Overall, clam ceviche is a versatile dish that pairs well with many types of drinks and side dishes. Its light and fresh flavors make it a perfect appetizer for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about clam ceviche is that you can make it ahead and store it until you’re ready to enjoy it. This dish tastes best when it is allowed to marinate for at least an hour in the fridge. That said, the longer it sits, the more intense the flavors become.
If you are making this recipe for a party or gathering, it’s a great idea to prepare it a day or two in advance, giving yourself plenty of time to garnish and organize the perfect presentation. Make sure to cover your container tightly with plastic wrap, so no air can get in.
For storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. It’s essential to note that seafood should never be left out at room temperature for too long—not even for an hour. When reheating your clam ceviche, never use a microwave as the heat can toughen the clams and mute the flavor. Instead, carefully reheat it on low heat in a pan over the stove. But remember, this dish tastes best when served cold.
Lastly, be sure to serve fresh tortilla chips alongside your clam ceviche to add some crunch and texture to every bite. With this handy make-ahead tip, you can always have homemade seafood ceviche at your fingertips!
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the challenges when preparing ceviche is determining the correct proportion between acidity and ingredients that don’t need to be cooked. Since ceviche is raw, you can’t rely on heat to counteract under-seasoning or over-seasoning. However, don’t let this deter you from cooking up a delicious Clam Ceviche dish. Here are a few tips that will guarantee you’re making the most flavorful and accurately seasoned clam ceviche possible:
1. Use Fresh and Good-Quality Clams
Always get the freshest clams possible, preferably from a reputable fish market. The fresher they are, the more flavor they contain, ultimately guaranteeing better results.
2. Marinate for Just the Right Time
The marinating process is crucial in any seafood ceviche recipe since it ensures perfect tenderness and flavor. Over-marinating can cause the seafood to become mushy while under-marinating leaves it dry and under-seasoned.
3. Allow it to Marinate in the Refrigerator
Marinate your clams in the fridge to avoid any risk associated with consuming raw seafood. Keep the ceviche refrigerated until ready to serve to prevent spoilage.
4. Squeeze Fresh Citrus Juice
Use fresh citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, or pink grapefruits instead of bottled juice for better flavor results.
5. Use Kosher Salt
Using kosher salt instead of table salt helps retain the minerals present in your ingredients, which consequently enhances the flavors.
6. Add a Touch of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil adds a depth of richness that plays well to your lime juice seasoning; however, be careful not to add too much as too much can overpower the flavors of the clam meat.
With these few pointers, you’ll make a delicious Clam Ceviche Recipe that will tantalize anyone’s taste buds.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are looking for a recipe that is fresh, delicious, and easy to make, then this clam ceviche recipe is definitely for you. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, it’s no wonder why it has become one of the most popular dishes among seafood lovers. So why not give it a try? Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main course or snack, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family.
Just remember to use only the freshest ingredients possible and to follow the recipe directions closely in order to achieve the best possible results. With a little bit of practice and experimentation, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your own personal preferences and taste buds.
So go ahead and give this clam ceviche recipe a try today! You won’t regret it. Trust me, nothing beats the refreshing taste of perfectly seasoned fresh seafood on a hot summer day. Give it a go with some tortilla chips or as a topping over your favorite taco. This recipe will become an instant classic in your household.
Clam Ceviche Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb razor clams or 1 lb littleneck clams
- 1 pink grapefruit, peeled and segmented juices reserved
- 1 teaspoon pink peppercorns
- 12 fresh mint leaves, slivered
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
- tortilla chips, for serving (round)
Instructions
- Gently pry clam shells open and cut out meat; dice meat into 1/2 inch pieces, discarding any dark, gritty parts and the dark, hard siphon, and place diced meat into a bowl.
- Dice grapefruit and add to bowl along with any reserved juice, the pink peppercorns, mint, and olive oil; stir to combine.
- Cover, and refrigerate 3 hours.
- After marinating, season the clam mixture with salt to taste.
- Serve with tortilla chips or drain well and serve piled on individual chips like a canape.
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.