Spicy Stir-Fried Baby Clams with Peppers & Red Onion
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Clams
1½ lbs (700 g) baby clams, cleaned
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
For the Vegetables
½ red onion, sliced
½ green bell pepper, sliced
½ red bell pepper, sliced
2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
1 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sugar
¼ tsp white pepper
2 tbsp water
Optional Garnish
Sliced green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Clams
If using fresh baby clams:
Soak them in salted water for 30 minutes to remove sand.
Rinse thoroughly.
Blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes until they open.
Drain well.
Step 2 – Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Oyster sauce
Soy sauce
Dark soy sauce
Chili garlic sauce
Sesame oil
Sugar
White pepper
Water
Set aside.
Step 3 – Stir-Fry
Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.
Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add:
Red onion
Bell peppers
Fresh chilies
Cook for about 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 4 – Add the Clams
Add the clams to the wok.
Pour in the prepared sauce.
Stir-fry over high heat for 2–3 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
Do not overcook to keep the clams tender.
Step 5 – Serve
Transfer to a serving dish.
Garnish with:
Green onions
Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Serve immediately.
Chef's Tips
Fresh baby clams provide the sweetest flavor, but frozen, pre-cleaned clams also work well.
Cook over high heat to achieve a restaurant-style stir-fry.
Add a splash of Shaoxing wine or dry white wine for extra depth.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of fresh chilies or add chili oil.
Serve immediately to preserve the clams' tender texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with:
Steamed jasmine rice
Garlic fried rice
Stir-fried noodles
Bok choy or Chinese broccoli
Cucumber salad
Chilled lager or sparkling water with lime
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~290 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 760 mg
Serving Description
Tender baby clams are quickly stir-fried with garlic, ginger, colorful bell peppers, red onion, and fresh chilies in a savory oyster-soy sauce. This vibrant seafood dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, making it an excellent weeknight meal served over hot steamed rice or alongside your favorite Asian-inspired sides.