If you’ve never participated in a summer clambake (the likes of which are hugely popular in the Northeast region of the US), then you’re really missing out. Clams are incredibly easy to cook (they turn out delicious after steaming quickly) and you can serve them in all kind of different ways: by themselves, in a broth, and even stuffed and baked.
Can You Freeze Clams?
By far, the best way to use clams is to buy them and cook them on the same day. You really can’t beat fresh seafood. But we get it – sometimes that’s just not an option. Especially if you live somewhere that’s not near the coast with a plentiful supply of fresh clams coming in daily. And in that case, you do one of two things: you buy them already frozen (in which case this blog post is irrelevant for you) or you purchase them live and freeze them for future use. This begs the question: “can you freeze clams”?
Now, clams can be a little tricky. We’ve all heard the tip about how to know which clams are good and which should be tossed. Fresh clams should have closed shells. Any shells that are already open before you freeze them are dead and should be thrown out and not used.
The remaining closed shell clams can now be prepared for freezing. The first thing you should do is rinse the clams in cool water. Don’t rinse them in warm or hot water as that will cause the clam shells to open, and you want them closed for freezing. Once you’ve rinsed them off, package them in an airtight moisture resistant bag (make sure to get all of the air out) and freeze. Clams in the shells should last around three months stored this way.
How to Use Frozen Clams
When you’re ready to unfreeze them for cooking, simply place them under cool running water and then use them immediately once they’re unfrozen. Once you’ve unfrozen them, clams cannot be re-frozen, so make sure that whatever you thaw out, you’re going to use. Otherwise, you’ll need to toss them.
Do you have any tips for how to freeze clams? Or want to share your favorite clam recipe? Share them with us in the comments below!
I bought cherry stones back in January. I kept them in the box they came in and froze them
They still are in the shell. About weeks ago I realized they were still in the freezer, and then put them in freezer bags, and put them back in freezer. Are they ok to thaw and cook?
Hi Leila,
I usually don’t go over 2-3 months. You might consider asking your fish monger/seafood guy at the store just to make sure. If you do decide to cook them, cook them to above 165F just to make sure.
BR
Matthew
If clams are cleaned can they still be frozen. If so how and how long will they last in freezer.
Cantt see why cleaning would make much of a difference, but I just freeze them. Never cleaned them first. Might be worth asking your fish monger. I wouldn’t think it would shorten or lengthen shelf life in the freezer either.
Thanks for stopping by!
BR
Matthew
Love your site Matthew! My daughter, her boyfriend and I were out clamming in the Great South Bay off Fire Island yesterday afternoon. We caught over 3 dozen in a short amount of time. It was fun. I like to use my feet, Gabe used a clam rake and his feet, while my daughter Breezy hung around on the paddle board and held the clams for us. We grilled the little necks and had them with drawn butter right away. Gabe, who was not a clam fan, was pleasantly surprised. I’m cooking some of the cherry stones in a paella, and will freeze the rest as per your instructions for cooking next week. Glad I stopped by your site!
Hi Danielle! Thanks for the comment! Sounds very tasty! Sounds like Gabe is a changed person!
Thanks for stopping by!
BR
Matthew
I purchased some fresh clams in the shell and they are now frozen per your instructions, and when they are finally defrosted, what happens when I use them in a chowder…do they open up? HELP! I live in Minnesota, so nice little neck clams can be hard to get. 🙂
Hi Matthew,
I bought my clams in the market last monday,oct 21 and froze them when i came home. i just put them in a regular plastic bag. Now, 7days later i just remembered about them. Is it still safe to eat the clams that i’ve frozen?
Brought clams November 22 cleaned and cooked a few put the rest in the freezer in the package they came in will they still be good and if so how do I clean them
Will the frozen clams open when taling
my bag of clams froze and opened up, can I still use them?
Can you freeze clams that have already been steamed?
I have cleaned and cooked my clams and froze then in a plastic bag are they still alright to cook the in a chowder?
I went out claming yesterday in CT I got about a half a bushel, when my wife and I got home we were exhausted we rinsed the clams real quick, and threw them in the freezer, just in the cooler. Are they still OK?
I have a very large can of chopped clams. I would like to save some of them is it alright to freeze some of them?
I live in an area that is abundant with hard shell clams. I freeze them in the hard shell and have made chowders with them a year later. They have never opened up in the freezer as long as you freeze them when they are alive. Chowder is always very good.
Hi Michael!,
Lucky you! Clams are so tasty, especially in chowder! Do you have a recipe to share?
BR
Matthew
can i open and schuck clams in the am and cook them in the pm
We LOVE raw cherry stones. I buy them as 100 count, stick 18 each in large freezer bags without washing. As we want them I take them from the freezer then rinse them and put them on a large tray to slowly defrost in the refrigerator.. taste like ocean with none of the clam knife drama as the clams open magically as they defrost. Always use them within a couple of months – and make sure they’re fresh from a reliable distributor.