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What is Clam Juice?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Clam juice is a liquid strained from freshly shucked clams. In some regions, this juice is made from cooked clams, while others use the liquid from fresh, raw clams. In either case, it has a briny flavor that complements a wide range of dishes. It is often available in bottled form at supermarkets, and in clam producing regions, it can be purchased at a harbor or processing center as well.

A clam is a type of bivalve mollusk, found in both fresh and salt water. These mollusks have been used as a food source for centuries by people all over the world, and the liquid which strains from freshly gathered clams has also traditionally been collected and used in an assortment of foods. Since clams taste best when they are fresh, they are particularly popular in coastal regions of the world, such as the Eastern seaboard of the United States and many Mediterranean countries.

Fans of the original New England recipe hold that clam chowder must contain some clam juice.
Fans of the original New England recipe hold that clam chowder must contain some clam juice.

One of the most common uses for clam juice is as a cooking liquid for seafood dishes. Some cooks also use it as a substitute for fish stock, which can get expensive and quite stinky when made at home. A dash of juice from a clam may also be added to foods for a hint of a briny flavor without an overwhelming sense of seafood. Some savory cocktails also call for it. One popular clam juice product combines it with tomato juice for use as a mixer in drinks.

Clam juice can be added to seafood-themed martinis.
Clam juice can be added to seafood-themed martinis.

The meat of clams is sold separately from the juice. Fresh clams may be steamed in the juice to enhance the flavor of the meat, and canned or preserved clams may also be simmered in it. Cooks who struggle with rubbery preserved clams may want to try only briefly cooking them, as they tend to get very chewy with prolonged cooking. Preserved clams should be thrown into a dish at the last minute and barely warmed, rather than stewed.

Clams are bivalve mollusks.
Clams are bivalve mollusks.

One of the most famous dishes along the Eastern seaboard is clam chowder, which purists claim must contain clam juice. For a classic Maine style clam chowder, cooks can pan fry 0.25 cup (40 g) of onion in butter in a small saucepan, and add 1.25 cups (0.29 l) of juice to deglaze the pan. For a more rich flavor, several strips of bacon can be sauteed with the onion. One potato chopped into loose chunks, along with 0.25 cup (59 ml) half and half can then be added. The cook should simmer the soup until the potatoes soften, around 15-20 minutes, adding 2 ounces (57 grams) of cooked chopped clams at the end to heat briefly, along with salt and pepper. The should is garnished with parsley and served with a hearty bread.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon248251

Clam juice is an excellent source of real ocean flavor and makes good stock. It is a good substitute for anchovies in Bloody Mary mixers.

anon99461

Clam juice is disgusting. It's basically clam pee. Believe me, I just tried some Manhattan-style clam chowder which had a bit too much clam juice. Yep, it's clam pee. Disgusting.

pistachios

@ether- A splash of caper juice can also be a great way to substitute clam juice. The capers provide a slightly more "fishy" flavor to dishes. It's a great option for those who only eat kosher foods or are allergic to clams.

ether

For those allergic to clams, you can substitute fish stock or equal parts of chicken stock and water. The difference in taste is hardly detectable.

lokithebeak

Using the clam juice as a fish stock or to cook seafoods in makes sense. I would like to know who first decided that clam juice in a cocktail would somehow be tasty. For that matter tomato juice in a cocktail is pretty weird too, although it is tasty!

Bloody Mary's all around!

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    • Fans of the original New England recipe hold that clam chowder must contain some clam juice.
      By: Joshua Resnick
      Fans of the original New England recipe hold that clam chowder must contain some clam juice.
    • Clam juice can be added to seafood-themed martinis.
      By: Eventimages21
      Clam juice can be added to seafood-themed martinis.
    • Clams are bivalve mollusks.
      By: klsbear
      Clams are bivalve mollusks.
    • Clam juice can be combined with tomato juice to make a Bloody Mary.
      By: Danny Hooks
      Clam juice can be combined with tomato juice to make a Bloody Mary.