Razor Clam

What Is Razor Clam?

Razor clam (Solen marginatus and its relatives) is a sea clam with a long, narrow, straight shell resembling an old-fashioned razor. It lives buried upright in sandy seabeds.

The flesh between its two long shells is sweetish and firm. It favors brief cooking; overcooking makes it tough. It is enjoyed sautéed with garlic, grilled, and in seafood dishes.

Nutritional Value of Razor Clam

Like sea clams, razor clam contains approximately 90 kcal of energy per 100 grams, high protein, and low fat; it is rich in vitamin B12. The values are approximated from a similar shellfish profile.

What Are the Benefits of Razor Clam?

With its high-quality protein and B12 content, razor clam can be considered part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; razor clam is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Those with shellfish allergies should be careful.

How to Choose Razor Clam

Razor clam is best when alive; specimens that react slightly when touched, have an unbroken shell, and a sea smell should be preferred. Open and unresponsive specimens should not be bought.

• The shell should be unbroken, the specimen alive
• There should be slight movement/reaction when touched
• The smell should be clean-sea

How to Store Razor Clam

Live razor clam is kept briefly in a cool place covered with a damp cloth and should be consumed as soon as possible. Soaking it in salted water before cooking to release its sand is a good idea.

Using Razor Clam in the Kitchen

Razor clam is mostly briefly sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and parsley; also used grilled and in seafood pasta-rice dishes. It is removed from the heat the moment its shells open.

How Is Razor Clam Sautéed?

Washed razor clams are tossed into a hot pan with garlicky olive oil; once the shells open, white wine or lemon and parsley are added, and it's held for a few more seconds before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does razor clam cook so quickly?

Its thin and firm flesh cooks very quickly; it's ready the moment the shells open, and overcooking toughens the flesh.

How is razor clam's sand removed?

Soaking it in salted water for a few hours before cooking allows the clam to release the sand inside; it is then rinsed in plenty of water.

Which part of razor clam is eaten?

All the soft flesh between the two shells is eaten; the dark inner part can be removed if desired.