What To Serve With Steamed Clams? 15 Best Side Dishes

Steamed clams are a delicious and delicate seafood dish enjoyed by many. With their tender texture and briny flavor, steamed clams deserve side dishes that complement and enhance their unique taste.

In this post, you will find 15 amazing side dish options that pair perfectly with steamed clams, ensuring a delightful and satisfying dining experience.

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The best side dishes to serve with steamed clams are garlic bread, corn on the cob, sautéed spinach with garlic, lobster tails, shrimp boil, fish tacos, gluten free bread, jasmine rice, couscous salad, coleslaw, steamed asparagus, tomato and basil bruschetta, and lemon herb rice.

These dishes offer a variety of flavors and textures that perfectly complement and enhance the taste of the clams.

1. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side dish that goes wonderfully with steamed clams. The buttery, garlicky flavor of the bread complements the briny taste of the clams, while the crispy texture provides a satisfying contrast. Use the bread to soak up the flavorful clam broth for an extra tasty treat.

2. Lobster Tails

Lobster tails are a luxurious and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with steamed clams. The succulent, tender lobster meat complements the delicate taste of the clams, creating a truly indulgent seafood feast. Serve the lobster tails with melted butter and a squeeze of lemon for a memorable dining experience.

3. Shrimp Boil

A shrimp boil is a flavorful and hearty side dish that goes great with steamed clams. This dish, featuring shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage, cooked in a seasoned broth, adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your meal. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying and tasty seafood extravaganza.

4. Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are a fun and versatile side dish that pairs well with steamed clams. The combination of tender fish, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauces creates a delicious contrast to the delicate clams. Choose your favorite type of fish and toppings to customize your fish tacos for a delightful addition to your meal.

5. Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with steamed clams. The sweet, smoky flavor of the corn adds a touch of brightness to the meal, while the crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the tender clams.

6. Spinach with Garlic

Sautéed spinach with garlic is a healthy and flavorful side dish that complements steamed clams beautifully. The earthy flavors of the spinach and garlic help to balance the brininess of the clams, while the sautéed texture adds an appealing contrast to the dish.

7. Couscous Salad

Couscous salad is a light and refreshing side dish that goes well with steamed clams. The fluffy couscous, combined with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing, provides a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the clams. This salad adds a healthy and tasty touch to your meal.

8. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a versatile side dish that pairs nicely with steamed clams. The crunchy, tangy combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the tender and briny clams. Choose a classic coleslaw or try a variation with a twist, such as adding apple slices or using a vinegar-based dressing.

9. Asparagus

Steamed asparagus is a healthy and delicious side dish that complements steamed clams. The tender, slightly crisp asparagus adds a touch of earthiness to the meal, while its mild flavor doesn't overpower the delicate taste of the clams. Serve the asparagus with a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.

10. Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Tomato and basil bruschetta is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs well with steamed clams. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crusty bread provides a delightful contrast to the delicate flavor of the clams. The fresh, bright taste of the bruschetta enhances the overall dining experience.

11. Lemon Herb Rice

Lemon herb rice is a light and aromatic side dish that goes great with steamed clams. The zesty lemon and fragrant herbs add a refreshing touch to the dish, while the rice provides a comforting and satisfying base. This side dish complements the clams without overpowering their delicate flavor.

12. Gluten-Free Bread

Gluten-free bread is a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions who still want to enjoy a tasty side with their steamed clams. The bread can be used to soak up the flavorful clam broth or to create delicious clam sandwiches. Choose from a variety of gluten-free bread options to suit your taste.

13. Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a fragrant and flavorful side dish that complements steamed clams. The aromatic, slightly sticky rice provides a comforting base for the clams, while its mild flavor doesn't overpower the delicate taste of the seafood. Serve the jasmine rice with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for added freshness.

14. Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic and comforting side dish that pairs nicely with steamed clams. The creamy, flavorful combination of potatoes, mayonnaise, and seasonings offers a satisfying contrast to the tender clams. Choose a traditional potato salad or try a variation with a twist, such as adding Dijon mustard or using sweet potatoes.

15. Green Beans

A delicious and elegant side dish that goes well with steamed clams. The tender green beans, sautéed with butter and garlic, add a touch of sophistication to your meal. The combination of flavors and textures complements the delicate clams perfectly.

16. Seaweed Salad

Seaweed salad is a light and refreshing side dish that enhances the flavors of steamed clams. The unique taste and texture of the seaweed, combined with a tangy dressing, provide a delicious contrast to the briny clams. This salad adds a healthy and flavorful touch to your seafood meal.

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