Stir-Fried Clams is a popular Thai seafood dish featuring fresh clams cooked in a fragrant sauce made with roasted chili paste, garlic, fresh chilies, and Thai basil. Known for its bold flavors and irresistible aroma, this dish is commonly served in seafood restaurants throughout Thailand, especially in coastal regions where fresh shellfish is abundant.

The natural sweetness of the clams pairs perfectly with the savory, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce, creating a delicious meal that is best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice.

What Is Stir-Fried Clams?

Stir-Fried Clams, known in Thailand as Hoi Lai Pad Nam Prik Pao, is a quick wok-fried seafood dish where fresh clams are cooked with roasted chili paste (Nam Prik Pao), garlic, fish sauce, and Thai basil. The clams release their natural juices during cooking, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that coats every shell.

This dish is a favorite among seafood lovers because it is simple, fresh, and packed with authentic Thai flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Rich Thai seafood flavor
  • Perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory
  • Great for family meals
  • Restaurant-quality dish at home
  • Pairs perfectly with steamed rice

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

  • 1kg fresh clams, cleaned thoroughly
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 red Thai chilies, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 2 spring onions, cut into pieces

For the Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon roasted Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon palm sugar
  • 3 tablespoons water or seafood stock

Preparation Information

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Difficulty Level: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Clean the Clams

Rinse the clams under cold running water.

Soak them in lightly salted water for 20–30 minutes to help remove any sand.

Discard any cracked or damaged clams.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Roasted chili paste
  • Oyster sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Palm sugar
  • Water or seafood stock

Mix well until smooth.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat.

Add garlic and stir-fry for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

Add onion and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Cook the Clams

Add the cleaned clams to the wok.

Pour the prepared sauce over the clams.

Cover with a lid and cook for 4–5 minutes.

As the clams steam, they will begin to open and release their flavorful juices.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Add:

  • Sliced chilies
  • Bell pepper

Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Basil

Add:

  • Thai basil leaves
  • Spring onions

Toss gently until the basil wilts.

Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Garlic rice
  • Coconut rice

For a complete Thai meal, pair with:

  • Thai Herbal Soup
  • Papaya Salad
  • Stir-Fried Morning Glory
  • Fresh Vegetable Platter

Chef's Tips

Use Fresh Clams

Fresh clams should have tightly closed shells or close when tapped.

Do Not Overcook

Cook only until the shells open.

Overcooking can make the clams tough.

Use High Heat

A hot wok allows the clams to open quickly while preserving their natural sweetness.

Add Extra Spice

For a spicier version, add more fresh Thai bird's eye chilies.

Variations

Basil Clams

Increase the amount of Thai basil for a stronger herbal aroma.

Garlic Pepper Clams

Add extra garlic and cracked black pepper for a rich, savory flavor.

Seafood Combination Stir-Fry

Combine clams with:

  • Shrimp
  • Mussels
  • Squid

For a deluxe seafood stir-fry.

Curry Clams

Add red curry paste and a small amount of coconut milk for a Thai curry-style variation.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

Freezer

Not recommended, as cooked clams lose texture after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes.

Avoid overcooking during reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 240
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 920mg

Perfect Beverage Pairings

Serve Stir-Fried Clams with:

  • Thai Lemon Tea
  • Thai Iced Tea
  • Coconut Water
  • Pandan Drink

These refreshing beverages help balance the dish's spicy and savory flavors.

Final Thoughts

Stir-Fried Clams is a classic Thai seafood dish that highlights the fresh, sweet flavor of clams while complementing them with roasted chili paste, garlic, Thai basil, and aromatic seasonings. Quick to prepare and full of authentic Thai character, this dish is perfect for seafood enthusiasts looking to recreate the vibrant flavors of Thailand at home. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice and enjoy a true taste of Thai coastal cuisine.