Stir-Fried Clams with Garlic Chives
A quick and flavorful coastal Chinese stir-fry combining tender clam meat with aromatic garlic chives. The briny sweetness of the clams pairs perfectly with the mild, onion-like flavor of the chives in this simple yet satisfying dish.
Story
This classic Zhejiang province dish showcases the region's love for fresh seafood and vegetables. Clam meat is prized for its sweet, briny flavor and tender texture, while garlic chives add a mild, fresh note that balances the dish beautifully. Everything comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
garlic chives
200g
clam meat (fresh or frozen)
150g
cooking oil
2 tablespoons
shaoxing wine
1 tablespoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
chicken powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Prep the ingredients
Rinse the garlic chives under cold water and pat dry. Cut into 2-inch lengths, separating the white and green parts. If using frozen clam meat, thaw and drain any excess liquid. Pat the clam meat dry with paper towels.
2
Marinate the clams
Place the clam meat in a small bowl. Add the shaoxing wine and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to tenderize and remove any fishy odor.
3
Stir-fry the chives
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat. Add the white parts of the garlic chives first and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the green parts and continue stir-frying for another 30 seconds until slightly softened but still vibrant.
4
Combine and season
Add the marinated clam meat to the wok. Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until the clams are heated through and just cooked. Sprinkle in the salt and chicken powder if using. Toss well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
5
Serve immediately
Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot right away. This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the chives retain their crisp-tender texture and the clam meat is juicy and sweet.
