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How to Clean Clams (Remove Sand Before Cooking)

close up of clams extend and spur out sand and debris
This method offers a cleaner, more reliable way to remove sand from live clams before cooking. Unlike casual soaking techniques, it uses a shallow saltwater tray, single-layer placement, and light control to help clams purge naturally and thoroughly.
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Sakura Yubi
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Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour
Cuisine Japanese

Equipment

  • 1 container (For mixing salt and water.)
  • 1 Tray (Large enough to lay the clams in a single layer.)

Ingredients

  • 500 g (2.1 cups) water
  • 1 tbs (1 tbs) salt (Use natural salts like rock salt or sea salt. The goal here is to recreate natural sea water. I'm using Himalayan salt in the pictures.)

directions
 

Prepare the Saltwater

  • Mix water and salt until fully dissolved.
    mixing salt and water

Set Up the Tray

  • Lay clams in a single layer on a tray.
    Lay clams in a single layer on a tray
  • Pour the saltwater into the tray until the clams are covered halfway.
    Pour the saltwater into the tray until the clams are covered halfway

Cover if Needed

  • If the room is bright, turn off the lights or cover the tray with tin foil or similar to simulate a darker environment.

Let Them Purge

  • Wait at least 1 hour. The clams will love the environment and immediately begin to extend and purge sand and debris. :)
    clams extend and spur out sand and debris

Final Rinse

  • Wash the clams thoroughly before cooking.
Keyword clams
close up of clams extend and spur out sand and debris