Spicy and Fragrant Flower Clam Claypot“香辣花甲煲”（Xiāng là huā jiǎ bāo ）.
On a cold winter night, a fragrant and spicy stir-fried clams pot emits an irresistible aroma, bringing warmth and comfort to everyone at the dining table. This dish is so mouthwatering that it’s hard to resist. When the clams are cooked to perfection, they display a vibrant orange color and exude a delightful oceanic scent. Each bite allows one to experience their tenderness and sweetness. The sauce, mixed with chili, garlic, and spices, adds a layer of spiciness and richness to the clams.As you first dip your spoon into the pot, in that moment, you can see the steaming clams floating in the reddish broth. The aroma of the spicy soup hits you and arouses your taste buds. Carefully scooping up a clam, gently cooling it down, and taking a bite. The sensation of its juicy tenderness, the fusion of spiciness and sweetness, leads you into a captivating gustatory feast.Not only does this dish boast the commendable texture of the clams, but it also incorporates various vegetables and ingredients in the pot. The crispness of the vegetables complements the tender clams, while the spicy broth permeates them, creating layers of flavors. The temperature of the pot heats up the ingredients, releasing more aromas and tastes.Beyond its delicious taste, the spicy stir-fried clams pot also serves as a socializing centerpiece. When the cooked dish is served on the table, people gather around, sharing this delectable creation. The lively atmosphere, filled with laughter and conversations, evokes a sense of warmth and close-knit camaraderie.The spicy stir-fried clams pot is not just a culinary delight; it expresses emotions. It offers not only the satisfaction of tantalizing taste buds but also a love for life and longing for joyful moments. Whether it’s the cold of winter or the heat of summer, the spicy stir-fried clams pot brings us warmth and pleasure.Let’s savor the wonders of the spicy stir-fried clams pot together and enrich our lives with its passion and richness!
Comprehensive rating:
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | VARIETY | MOUTHFEEL | LEVEL |
| 10 min | 10 min | 12 | Delicious 、 flavorful | Moderate |
Ingredients for Spicy and Fragrant Flower Clam Claypot：
| clam | 500g |
| Soy sauce | 10ml |
| Dark soy sauce | 10ml |
| Bean paste | 10g |
| Starch | 10g |
| Aromatic vinegar | 3ml |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Salt | 3g |
| Garlic | 3g |
| Ginger | 3g |
| Small chili pepper | 5g |
| Scallion | 3g |
| Coriander | 5g |
Step：
1.To ensure that the clams are free of sand and clean, you can follow these steps. First, prepare a large container and add enough water. Depending on the quantity of clams, add an appropriate amount of salt and stir until dissolved. Soak the clams in the saltwater for about 5 minutes. This will stimulate them to expel any sand inside. Gently agitate the clams during soaking to help speed up the release of sand. Then lift the clams out of the water and rinse with cold water to remove any remaining salt and sand. At this point, the clams are clean and ready to be used. You can now proceed to boil them in hot water or incorporate them into your recipe.
2.Prepare an empty bowl and add salt, sugar, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste), and cornstarch in order. Then add a small amount of water and start stirring until all the seasonings are fully mixed into a smooth and grain-free sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add some more water to dilute it.
3.Heat an adequate amount of oil in a wok or frying pan. Once the oil is hot, add finely chopped ginger, garlic, and dried chili peppers. Stir-fry them over medium heat until the ginger and garlic release their fragrance and the chili peppers become slightly softened, indicating they are well fried. Next, add the clams to the pan and quickly stir-fry them to evenly mix them with the spices. During the stir-frying process, use a spatula to help the clams evenly heat up, change color, and absorb the seasoning.
4.Pour the previously prepared sauce over the cooked clams and stir-fry with a spatula or chopsticks to coat the clams evenly with the sauce. Then add an appropriate amount of water to submerge the clams and adjust the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the clams simmer to absorb the flavors of the sauce and seasonings. The simmering time is approximately 8 minutes, during which you can occasionally uncover the lid to check the doneness of the clams and the thickness of the broth. By the end of the simmering process, the broth should become thicker and the clams should be more tender. Finally, sprinkle chopped scallions and cilantro over the dish before serving as a garnish, adding color and fragrance.
Tips:
- Quick stir-frying of the clams: Pour the clams into the pan and stir-fry them quickly to evenly heat them and turn their shells red. Avoid overcooking to maintain the tender texture of the clams.
- Control the simmering time: Add an appropriate amount of water, cover the pan, and simmer. The simmering time should not be too long to prevent the clams from becoming overcooked. Usually, 8-10 minutes is sufficient to ensure a thick broth and tender clams.
When the spicy stir-fried clams pot appears on the dining table, it is not merely a delicious dish but also an artistic experience. It feels as if you are transported to a seaside cottage, savoring the salty freshness and spiciness of the ocean. This dish offers a visually enticing feast that paints a poetic picture of the sea. With each bite, the spiciness intertwines with the succulent clams, creating a sensation akin to waves crashing in your mouth. It captivates you, as if you are standing on a sandy beach with the vast ocean stretching out before you. This spicy stir-fried clams pot brings a refreshing yet fiery delight during the night, leaving one feeling fully satisfied. Whether shared with family or served to friends, this dish adds joy and excitement to mealtime. Let’s immerse ourselves in the world of the spicy stir-fried clams pot and enjoy the endless surprises and satisfaction that come with indulging in delicious food.