Sake-Steamed Clams With Soy Butter Recipe

Reprinted with permission from Izakaya: Japanese Bar Food

Servings:4
Ingredients
1 pound clams
1/4 cup sake
2 teaspoons superfine sugar
1 teaspoon Japanese soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped
3/4 ounce unsalted butter, chopped and chilled
1 scallion, thinly sliced
Directions: 
Put the clams in a bowl, cover with cold water and place in the fridge for 2 hours (this helps to release any sand that may be caught in the clams). Drain the clams, rinse under running water and set aside.
Combine the sake, sugar, soy sauce and ginger in a small jug. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Put the clams in a large frying pan over high heat and add the sake mixture. Cover and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, for 3 minutes, or until the clams open. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the clams to a serving bowl.
Add the chilled butter to the pan juices and whisk until the butter is melted and the sauce is thickened and glossy. Pour the sauce over the clams and sprinkle the spring onion over to serve.