Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this clambake is perfect for a hassle-free seafood meal.
- Flavorful & Savory: Cajun seasoning, garlic, and butter bring all the shellfish together with savory goodness.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfect for Summer: Enjoy fresh seafood, potatoes, and corn in one simple dish that’s ideal for sunny days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ lb (250g) shrimp, shell-on and deveined
- ½ lb (250g) clams
- ½ lb (250g) mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 8 oz (230g) small red potatoes, halved
- 1 ear fresh corn, shucked and cut into 4 pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 3 dashes ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
- Melted butter, for dipping
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Prepare Potatoes and Corn: Par-boil the potatoes and corn until they are cooked. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the melted butter and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Seafood and Vegetables: Add the shrimp, clams, mussels, red potatoes, and corn to the skillet.
- Season and Cook: Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and ground black pepper. Stir everything gently, turn the heat to low, and cover the skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until all the shellfish are cooked through and the mussels and clams have opened.
- Finish with Parsley: Add the chopped parsley to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve the clambake immediately with melted butter for dipping and lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 3 people
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for a spicier version of this dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the seafood and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.
- Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the skillet for an extra layer of flavor.
- Add Sausage: For an even heartier clambake, add smoked sausage or chorizo for a savory, smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes! Frozen shrimp, clams, and mussels work just fine in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking.
Can I add other seafood to this clambake?
Absolutely! Feel free to add lobster, crab legs, or scallops to the mix for a more luxurious seafood experience.
How do I know when the seafood is done?
The shrimp should be pink and opaque, while the mussels and clams should open up. If any mussels or clams remain closed, discard them.
Conclusion
This Easy Clambake is a flavorful, fuss-free seafood feast that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender shrimp, mussels, clams, potatoes, and corn, all cooked in a savory, buttery broth, this dish is perfect for summer or whenever you’re craving seafood. Serve it with lemon wedges and melted butter, and enjoy!
Easy Clambake: The Best Clambake Recipe Made Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Clambake is a one-pan seafood feast featuring shrimp, clams, mussels, red potatoes, and corn, all cooked together in a savory garlic and Cajun butter sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
½ stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
6 cloves garlic, minced
½ lb (250g) shrimp, shell-on and deveined
½ lb (250g) clams
½ lb (250g) mussels, scrubbed and debearded
8 oz (230g) small red potatoes, halved
1 ear fresh corn, shucked and cut into 4 pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
3 dashes ground black pepper
1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
Melted butter, for dipping
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Par-boil the potatoes and corn until cooked. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add melted butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp, clams, mussels, potatoes, and corn to the skillet.
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and black pepper. Stir gently, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until all seafood is cooked through and the mussels and clams have opened.
- Add chopped parsley, stir to combine.
- Serve immediately with melted butter for dipping and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
For a vegetarian version, omit seafood and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
For a heartier dish, add smoked sausage or chorizo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
