Razor clams are shellfish that many people like to eat, but you may be wondering if they’re safe to eat. In addition, you might want to know how to handle them and how to prepare them for cooking.
This article will answer all of your questions about razor clams and get you ready for the next time you decide to order them at a restaurant or cook at home!
Can You Eat Razor Clams?
Yes, you can razor clams. They are easy to prepare and contain many nutrients. They have a mild flavor that is similar to other shellfish such as scallops, mussels, and oysters. Their texture is also similar to scallops; however, razor clams have less salt than their counterparts because they don’t live in salty water as other ocean creatures do.
Are There Any Risks To Eating Razor Clams?
There are some risks associated with eating razor clams. They can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxic metals, and chemicals.
To decrease the risk of foodborne illness when handling raw seafood like razor clams:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling any food products including raw seafood.
- Keep uncooked shellfish away from other foods in your refrigerator or freezer to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cook shellfish until it’s opaque all the way through (the flesh should turn white and firm).
Benefits Of Eating Razor Clams
Razor clams are a popular food in the Pacific Northwest, but they are also delicious and nutritious. They are easy to dig and prepare, too.
Here are some of the many benefits of eating razor clams:
High Amount of Protein
Razor clams contain about 20 percent protein. That is higher than other types of seafood, including some types of fish. They also contain a significant amount of vitamin B12, which is important for brain function and red blood cell production. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia due to low levels of red blood cells.
Low in Fat
Razor clams contain very little fat because they are mollusks that filter seawater through their bodies as they eat plankton. This makes them healthy food choices for people who want to avoid high-fat foods like red meat and dairy products.
High in Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body produce red blood cells so your muscles can get oxygen when you exercise or do other activities that require physical exertion. Anemia is caused when there aren’t enough red blood cells in circulation, so it’s important to make sure you get enough iron into your diet.
What Do Razor Clams Taste Like?
If you’re still unsure whether or not you want to try razor clams, we can help. The following is an overview of what to expect when biting into a razor clam:
- Razor clams have a mild flavor. While some types of shellfish are strong and briny, the taste of razor clams is relatively mild—making them a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy seafood but doesn’t like overpowering flavors.
- They have an “earthy” taste. Some people describe the flavor of these mollusks as earthy and fresh, while others say it reminds them more of seawater than anything else (or even dirt!). So if you enjoy eating things that have been buried in mud and sand for days on end, then this might just be your new favorite dish!
How To Clean Razor Clams
Razor clams are a great source of protein, with each clam containing about 15 grams of meat. They can be cleaned and cooked in the same way as any other clam or mussel.
Step 1: Soak the clams in water for 24 hours to allow them to expel any sand or grit from their shells.
Step 2: Remove the razor shell from the water and scrub off any remaining bits of sand or mud from its surface with a toothbrush. Rinse the razor shell under cold running water to clean it thoroughly.
Step 3: Place your razor clams on a bed of rock salt in an empty storage container. Cover them completely with water and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per quart of water to reduce their odor. This will also help tenderize them slightly by breaking down some of their tough albumin proteins. Leave them in this solution overnight (12-14 hours) before cooking them or freezing them for future use.
How To Eat Razor Clams
Razor clams can be cooked in many ways and are great as an appetizer or main course. However, they should be cooked soon after being caught to avoid spoilage. Here are some of the most common ways to cook razor clams:
Boiling – Boiling is one of the easiest ways to cook razor clams. Place them in a large pot with water and cover them with a lid. Bring it to a boil and then reduce heat until they start opening up. Remove from heat immediately and serve hot with melted butter or other toppings such as lemon juice or parsley.
Steaming – Steaming is another easy way to cook razor clams without much prep work involved. Simply place them in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 10 minutes until they open up completely. Serve with melted butter or other toppings such as lemon juice or parsley (for more flavor).
Grilling – Grilling razor clams is similar to grilling shrimp. You’ll want to soak them in water for about 10 minutes first to make them a bit soft. Then place the entire razor clams on the grill for about 15 minutes until they are cooked. While it’s cooking, you can season them to make it even tastier.
Where To Buy Razor Clams?
You can buy fresh razor clams from a reputable seafood shop or at your local seafood market. Remember to look for local sources when buying razor clams. This will ensure that they are fresh and will taste great!
You may also want to buy organic razor clams if possible; this ensures that there has been no chemical treatment on the clams before being sold to you.
And finally, try looking for sustainable sources of razor clams—this means that there is minimal impact on the environment when harvesting these tasty shellfish!
Conclusion
If you want to eat razor clams, make sure that they are properly cleaned and cooked. You can also buy them frozen at most grocery stores. If you’re worried about whether or not they’re safe to eat, just make sure that they have been thoroughly cooked before consumption!
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
