How to Prepare & Clean Clams and Mussels

Step #1: Clean the clams or mussels

1. Clean the clams or mussels with a food brush and pull the fibers from their mouths.

Step #2: Soak them in salt water

Make a saltwater mixture and add the cleaned clams or mussels to the water. When you make the mixture make sure the salt is fully dissolved into the water by stirring it well, then add the seafood. 

1. Salt Water Ratio: 9 parts water to 1 part salt. (Mix the salt completely into the water)

Step #3: Let the clams or mussels soak

1. Cover the bowl of seafood and saltwater with a towel (do not use plastic wrap) to create a dark environment so that the clams open their mouths and spit out the sand and grit. Then place that bowl into the fridge.
2. The longer you soak the clams, the more clean, plump, and juicy they will be. I like to soak them overnight or for at least 5 hours.

Step #4: Wash and resoak

1. Once the clams and mussels are done soaking, wash them in cold water and remove the excess salt.
2. Then place the clams or mussels into a new bowl with fresh cold water and let them sit shortly to spit out any excess salt in their mouths.