Clay Pot Braised Clams

Method

1. 1 Soak the clams for 1 hour, then boil them for 4 minutes. Remove the meat and strain the broth.
2. 2 The sugar in the earthenware pot turns a reddish-brown color.
3. 3 Sauté shallots and chili peppers, then add the clams and stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. 4 Pour in 80 ml of clam broth and simmer for 8 minutes; clams will shrink like rubber if simmered for more than 10 minutes.
5. 5 Season with fish sauce, sprinkle with pepper and green onions, then serve immediately in the pot while still hot.

With an appliance

• Microwave 30 min

  Replace step 1: place the soaked clams in a bowl, partially cover, and microwave at 800W for 3 minutes until they just open, then remove the meat and drain the liquid; step 4 continues to simmer on the stove for no more than 8 minutes.