When you’re on the fence about seafood to begin with, at first glance there is no difference between clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops: they’re all an easy pass. But given a second chance and with the right recipes, even the most squeamish landlubber can become a fan (Editorial aside: I’m working on it!).
Scallops are a great pick to start off with because they’re delicious when seared and have a similar texture to fish when cooked. Scallops are most often sold frozen, but if you’re lucky you can find fresh scallops (in which case, serving them raw is highly recommended). Scallops pair well with bacon, chorizo, cured meats, and have a slightly sweet and mild flavor.
Clams are found in freshwater and are also sometimes eaten raw, but are also great candidates for frying and breading. Clams are a good choice if you’re taking baby steps with your foray into the mollusk family—a creamy clam chowder is a solid pick when you’re still a beginner.
Mussels and oysters are shellfish staples: these bivalves cook quickly and absorb the flavor of the broth, sauce, or mignonette that you prepare them with. When looking for a good mussel, make sure the shells are tightly closed and that all of them are still alive; remove the “beard” on the side of the shell while cleaning them and discard any mussels that open.
Oysters are the saltwater mollusks known for producing pearls. Oysters are not a novice choice—they’re expert level shellfish that require total commitment. Oyster lovers declare there’s nothing like the briny fresh taste of a fresh oyster but to amateurs the texture can be challenging. Oysters are farmed in bays and estuaries, and as writer Jonathan Swift once put it: “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.” Oysters can be prepared in almost any manner possible, but should be eaten alive or consumed quickly after cooking. Akin to wine, oysters are often described as gaining their flavor from their environment.
Ready to start experimenting with shellfish? Take the plunge and check out these seven recipes for clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops.
Seared Scallops with Lemon and Vodka
Chowhound
A rich vodka sauce serves a great base for this pasta and scallops dish. Season with some lemon and herbs for a perfect meal. Get our Seared Scallops with Lemon and Vodka recipe.
Seared Scallops with Fava Bean Sauté
Chowhound
The diced bacon cooks quickly but save the fat for a flavorful base in which to sear the scallops. Wait until they release from the pan without sticking, searing until they’re golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Get our Seared Scallops with Fava Bean Sauté recipe.
Oysters with Prosecco Mignonette
Chowhound
Prosecco adds a lovely fizz to the champagne vinegar mignonette with finely chopped shallots, freshly ground black pepper, salt, and the most important ingredient: freshly shucked oysters. Get our Oysters with Prosecco Mignonette recipe.
Linguine with Clams and Chorizo
Chowhound
A little surf-and-turf twist on pasta, start with three dozen manila or littleneck clams and the best quality Mexican chorizo you can find. Garnish with finely chopped fresh Italian parsley. Get our Linguine with Clams and Chorizo recipe.
Mussels with Garlic and Breadcrumbs
Chowhound
Steamed mussels are topped with freshly made breadcrumbs (use white bread or half of a leftover baguette) and garlic with freshly chopped parsley. Get our Mussels with Garlic and Breadcrumbs recipe.
Stir-Fried Clams with Spicy Bean Sauce
Chowhound
Be sure to thoroughly soak the clams in cold water before stir-frying. Scallions, red pepper flakes, fresh ginger, garlic, shallots, soy sauce, and Chinese bean sauce make for a zesty stir-fry that is perfect served over rice. Get our Stir-Fried Clams with Spicy Bean Sauce recipe.
Seared Scallops with Lemony Farro and Arugula Salad
Chowhound
A simple grain salad made with farro and served with baby arugula is the perfect base for a perfectly seared scallop. Make sure not to turn the heat up too high in the first few minutes. Get our Seared Scallops with Lemony Farro and Arugula Salad recipe.
Mussels with Fennel, Lemon, and Belgian Ale
Chowhound
A Belgian-style ale is a perfectly paired ingredient to offset the brininess of the mussels, along with some grated lemon zest. Get our Mussels with Fennel, Lemon, and Belgian Ale recipe.
Related Video: Four Easy Scallop Recipes
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