How do I shuck raw clams to make clams on the 1/2 shell?

Question

I bought some little neck clams and a clam knife, but I don't know how to use it. Can anybody offer some advice?

Answer 1

Good answers, do not use a paring knife, you will put it through your hand.  Only use a clam knife

Answer 2

Step1

Make sure hard-shell clams are alive by checking that they are tightly closed; check that soft-shell clams react to your touch. Discard dead clams.

Step2

Scrub clams under running water using a stiff brush.

Step3

Hold the clam in the palm of your hand using a towel so that you don't cut your hand, and work over a bowl to ensure that you catch the clam's juices.

Step4

Make sure the clam's hinge is braced against the part of your palm nearest your thumb (the "meat" of your palm).

Step5

Work a paring or clam knife into the part of the shell near your fingertips.

Step6

Slide the knife around the clam's shell so that you cut the muscle at its hinge.

Step7

Open shell.

Step8

Scrape the muscle from the top shell into the bottom shell.

Step9

Serve clams on the half shell, or remove meat from shells to prepare for other dishes.

Answer 3

Actaul videos at the bottom.

Ive had oysters on the half shell, but not clams.  It would be the same way.  

Watch the video on how to do this:

Clam scallops:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrkMQQCqT...

Oysters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzWvvyfB4...