Homecanned Butter Clams in Nectar Broth

Canned Butter Clams at Home A Coastal Grandma Staple

By Laura TideAugust 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever rummage through your prepper pantry and wonder, "What exciting dish can I whip up?" That’s where Canned butter clams step in! Think of this dish as your secret weapon when you crave a taste of the sea.

It has a unique, slightly sweet, and briny flavor.

Brief Overview

This recipe comes from an old tradition of seafood preservation . Its origins trace back to coastal communities looking to extend the bounty of the ocean.

While I'm sharing these steps, the method I will be using is dangerous. Safe canning guidelines should be followed instead.

Expect about 2 hours 15 minutes of work, mostly hands off steaming and processing. This recipe yields about one pint jar.

Main Benefits

One big plus of canned clams is their high protein content. It's a fantastic way to enjoy seafood anytime. This makes it perfect for quick lunches, adding to a clam chowder recipe , or a fancy seafood pasta sauce .

A Blast from the Past: Canning Clams

You know, my grandma used to can everything. Honestly, it felt like she could preserve anything from the garden. I remember her making the most amazing butter clam recipes .

She would always say, "A full pantry is a happy pantry." So, let's dive into how to make canned butter clams .

Are These Clams Safe to Eat?

Canning safety is super important. Please note the canning process I am outlining here may be unsafe to use. Always follow USDA guidelines for home canning.

It's essential to know how to properly can food to avoid any risks. If in doubt, it’s always best to be cautious.

Remember that for the safest method, these clams should be canned using a pressure canner.

What You Need

Here is everything to recreate the perfect Clam nectar substitute,

1 pint (approximately 80-90) fresh butter clams.
1 cup (240ml) clam nectar (can substitute with bottled clam juice if nectar unavailable).
Water for steaming.

Before You Start

Did you know that clams have been part of coastal diets for centuries? It is an interesting fact. Ok, let's get this canned clams recipe started!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Clammy!

Alright, so you wanna try home canning seafood ? I get it! There's something so satisfying about having those prepper pantry staples on hand.

Even if you're not a prepper, those canned butter clams are great for whipping up a quick seafood pasta sauce or a comforting clam chowder recipe .

Just a heads up, remember to pressure can your clams!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Here’s what you'll need for this canned clams recipe :

Approximately 80-90 fresh butter clams (that’s about 1 pint, or 500ml ). Get the freshest clams you can find! They should be alive and tightly closed. Trust me, no one wants a dodgy clam.
1 cup (240ml) of clam nectar. If you can't find clam nectar, don't panic! Bottled clam juice works great as a clam nectar substitute . I've used it myself and honestly, it’s almost identical.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town!

Essential Spice Combination : Clams are naturally delicious, but a little boost never hurts. Some garlic powder, onion powder and Old Bay can be nice.
Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics : A bay leaf or two in the steaming liquid adds a subtle, herby flavor. Honestly, just a little goes a long way.
Quick Substitution Options : Don't have bay leaves? A pinch of dried thyme will do the trick. Improvise, darling!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Honestly, you don't need fancy equipment.

Large stockpot with a lid. This is where the magic happens.
Tongs or a slotted spoon. Essential for wrangling those slippery clams.
Pint (500ml) canning jar with a lid and band. Make sure they're clean!
Jar lifter. Protects your hands from the heat!
A Pressure Canner. This recipe is considered unsafe otherwise

Remember, safety first! When it comes to canning safety , always follow the USDA guidelines. Don’t cut corners. It's just not worth the risk.

Let's Talk Canned Butter Clams

Right, so, canning clams. It sounds a bit out there , doesn't it? Like something your gran would do to survive the apocalypse.

Honestly, the idea of Home canning seafood gives me the heebie jeebies a bit but here's what I got for you today.

I am including this with the understanding this should only be done with safe processes and not using a water bath canner.

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place

Before you even think about lighting the hob, get everything sorted. We're talking clean clams, scrubbed till they're sparkling. And have that clam nectar ready to go! Think of it as essential mise en place .

Get your jars ready too. This prep really saves you time. And always double check you are following USDA canning standards.

Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry!

Butter Clams: step-by-step Bliss

Here's the process, broken down:

Clean: Scrub those butter clams ! Get rid of all the sand.
Steam: Add water and clam nectar substitute to a pot. Simmer. Steam the clams until they open. This should take around 15 minutes . Chuck out any that stay stubbornly shut.
Jars: Clean.
Pack: Carefully remove the clams from their shells. Pack them into the jars. Pour over the broth, leaving 1 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and wipe the rim.
Process: According to the instructions this recipe followed it is to process the jars for 90 minutes. This is an unsafe practice and can cause botulism. Only pressure can these.

Pro Tips for the Win

Want to take it up a notch? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to that broth. Makes a huge difference.

Also, don't overcook the clams. You want them tender, not rubbery. Seriously, Canning safety is key here!

What to Make with Canned Butter Clams?

You know, you can make so many things, from a simple clam dip, to a clam and shrimp pasta sauce.

There are tons of Butter clam recipes . Or chuck them into a killer Clam chowder recipe or, whip up an amazing Seafood pasta sauce .

All of these are great for the Prepper pantry staples and would also be considered amazing additions to Coastal grandmother recipes .

Ultimately, preserving food is about being prepared. Whether you're channeling your inner Barbara Good or building a Seafood preservation stash, those Canned butter clams are there when you need them.

Just remember, always focus on safe canning practices.

Recipe Notes

So, you're thinking about diving into home canning seafood ? Fantastic! Let's chat about a few key things regarding this recipe.

Honestly, this is where the rubber meets the road, the nitty gritty details that make or break a good outcome.

Plating and Presentation

Okay, so you've got your canned butter clams . How do you make them look amazing ? First off, think rustic charm.

Serving these on a wooden board with some crusty bread? Chef's kiss! Or maybe a simple white bowl to really let the clams shine? A sprinkle of fresh parsley always elevates the look.

Picture it: you're channeling your inner coastal grandmother recipes vibe.

Storage Know How

Alright, let's talk storage. If you did this in a safe manner using a pressure canner , then you can store it on the shelf! Think of it like your prepper pantry staples , all lined up and ready to go.

Remember to check the seal before you tuck it away. Should the seal be broken. Do not eat them!

Twists and Turns: Variations

Want to switch things up? If you're watching your salt, look for a lower sodium clam nectar substitute or clam juice.

Alternatively, a seasonal swap could involve using fresh herbs from your garden to infuse the nectar broth. Think thyme in the fall, basil in the summer.

Nutrition Nuggets

Let's be real, canned clams are pretty good for you. They’re packed with protein. Plus, clams are a good source of iron.

The exact amounts will depend on the clams themselves, but you get the idea.

My Two Cents on Canned butter clams

Look, I get it. Butter clam recipes can seem intimidating. But trust me, once you get the hang of it, it's so rewarding.

I remember the first time I tried making a seafood pasta sauce with my canned clams. Oh my gosh, the flavor was incredible.

It was like bringing the sea right to my table. So, grab your jar, get creative, and have some fun! Remember, Canning safety is always number one.

Also, you can use canned butter clams in a Clam chowder recipe for a great addition. Seafood preservation can be fun, but use safe canning guidelines!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to can butter clams at home?

Canning seafood at home requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to safe canning guidelines from a trusted source like the USDA. The recipe provided relies on an unsafe method for preserving clams, and is not recommended.

Improper canning can lead to botulism, a serious and potentially fatal form of food poisoning. Always use a pressure canner when preserving low-acid foods like clams.

How do I know if my canned butter clams have sealed properly?

After processing and cooling completely, check each jar for a proper seal. The lid should be concave (curved slightly inward) and should not flex or "pop" when pressed in the center.

If a jar hasn't sealed, it's best to reprocess it immediately using safe methods from trusted sources, or store it in the refrigerator and use it within a few days think of it as a "use immediately" situation, a bit like that pint of Ben & Jerry's you know you shouldn't leave open!

What's the best way to store my canned butter clams after processing?

If your jars have sealed properly (according to the USDA guidelines), store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. A pantry or basement shelf works well. Properly canned butter clams should be shelf stable for at least a year, but it's always a good idea to use them within 18 months for optimal flavor.

Once opened, refrigerate any unused portion immediately and consume within a few days.

Can I add other ingredients to my canned butter clams, like garlic or herbs?

Adding extra ingredients can affect the safety of the canning process, as they can alter the acidity and heat penetration. If you're looking to add extra flavors you must do so by using a safe canning process from the USDA. For example, canned butter clams made in a pressure canner, with salt and citric acid added.

What are some tasty ways to use my home canned butter clams?

Canned butter clams are incredibly versatile! Use them in classic clam chowder for a truly comforting meal, or toss them with linguine, garlic, white wine, and parsley for a quick and delicious pasta dish that would make Jamie Oliver proud.

They're also great in dips or mixed into omelets for a boost of flavor think "coastal grandma" meets everyday cooking!

I can't find butter clams, can I use a substitute when making canned butter clams?

Yes, littleneck clams or cockles can be used as a substitute when canning butter clams. However, keep in mind that this will also change the flavor and texture of the final product. Remember that you must use a trusted and safe canning procedure to preserve your clams!