Easy Sweet & Sour Tamarind Clams Recipe

Tamarind stir-fried clams are a delicious dish, combining the harmonious sweet and sour flavor of tamarind with rich, nutritious clam meat. This dish is not only easy to make but also perfect served with rice or enjoyed as a fantastic appetizer.

Fresh, plump clams ready for cooking

Ingredients Needed

To prepare tamarind stir-fried clams, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1kg fresh, live clams.
• 200g dried tamarind block or pulp.
• 1/2 cup tapioca starch, 1-2 chili peppers, 1 bunch (about 100g) Vietnamese coriander, a few garlic cloves.
• Common seasonings: sugar (3 tablespoons), salt (1/2 tablespoon).

How to Make Tamarind Stir-Fried Clams

Step 1: Clean the Clams

Cleaning the clams is a crucial step to remove sand and impurities. You can use one of these two methods:

1. Soak clams in salted water with chili: Soak the clams in diluted saltwater with a few slices of chili for about 1-2 hours. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
2. Soak clams in warm water (below 50°C/122°F): Soaking clams in warm water encourages them to quickly expel sand. Be careful not to use water that’s too hot, as it could cook the clams.

Plate of glistening sweet and sour tamarind stir-fried clams

Step 2: Prepare the Tamarind Sauce

• Mix the dried tamarind with a little warm water, mash gently to extract the juice, then strain to remove seeds and solids.
• Place a pot on the stove, add 2 cups of water along with the tamarind extract. Add sugar and salt, stirring well until the mixture thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Stir-fry Clams with Tamarind Sauce

• Dissolve the tapioca starch in a little water. Heat some cooking oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the clams and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they open their shells.
• Pour the tamarind sauce mixture over the clams. Add the dissolved tapioca starch slurry and cook for about 1 more minute. Be careful not to overcook to maintain the freshness of the dish.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

• Add sliced chili according to your desired spiciness, then add chopped Vietnamese coriander and turn off the heat.
• Arrange the dish on a plate and enjoy immediately while hot to savor the full flavor.

Tips for Cleaning Clams Thoroughly at Home

Clams soaking in a bowl of water with salt and chili slices to remove sand

Besides the two soaking methods mentioned, you can also try the “vigorous shaking” technique for quick sand removal. Soak the clams in clean water for about 1 hour. Then, place them in a sealed container with a little water and shake vigorously about 5 times. Finally, rinse them again several times with clean water.

Where to Buy Fresh Live Clams in HCMC?

Fresh clams packaged for delivery from Dao Hai San

If you’re looking for a reliable source of fresh live clams in Ho Chi Minh City, contact Dao Hai San. With modern preservation technology, they guarantee high-quality clams that meet food safety standards. Their fast 2-hour delivery service is sure to satisfy every customer.

Hopefully, this article has clearly shown you how to make tamarind stir-fried clams in detail and with ease. Try it now to treat your family and friends to this flavorful taste of the sea!