Ina Garten’s Sizzling Clams Sausage & Corn Summer Recipe

Summer skillets radiate pure culinary magic, transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals.

Ina Garten’s summer skillet unleashes a flavor explosion that dances across your palate with Mediterranean charm.

Succulent seafood and robust proteins mingle in a single pan, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Coastal ingredients whisper stories of sunlit shores and relaxed dining experiences.

Each carefully selected component promises a symphony of textures that elevates home cooking.

Bright seasonal produce intertwines with rich proteins, promising a feast that feels both elegant and effortless.

This recipe will transport you to a sun-drenched Mediterranean kitchen with just one delicious bite!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s Inside Ina Garten Summer Skillet with Clams, Sausage, and Corn

• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for a richer, more authentic flavor.
• Onions: Select firm, glossy onions without soft spots or sprouting.

• Sausage, Red Pepper Flakes: Pick spicy Italian sausage for bold, zesty undertones.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for vibrant, intense seasoning.

• Corn Kernels, Tomatoes: Opt for peak-season, locally grown produce for maximum sweetness.
• Fresh Clams: Select tightly closed shells with no cracks, indicating freshness and quality.
• White Wine: Use a dry, crisp variety like Sauvignon Blanc for balanced cooking liquid.
• Butter: Select unsalted European-style butter for smoother, more luxurious sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Choose bright green leaves without wilting for maximum aromatic punch.
• French Bread: Look for crusty exterior with soft, airy interior for perfect accompaniment.

Essential Tools for Ina Garten Summer Skillet Dish

• Large skillet: Wide, deep pan perfect for sautéing and steaming ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and breaking up sausage without scratching the skillet.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for chopping onions, tomatoes, and basil with precision.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for preparing all fresh ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Lid: Covers skillet during clam steaming to trap heat and moisture.
• Serving bowls: Attractive dishes for presenting the final clam dish.
• Tongs: Useful for arranging and transferring clams safely.

Step-by-Step Summer Skillet Recipe with Clams and Corn

• Prepare Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Sizzle onions until they turn soft and glassy, releasing their sweet aroma.

• Build Savory Foundation

Crumble sausage into the pan, browning the meat until it develops a gorgeous caramel-like crust. Toss in corn, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to create a vibrant mix.

• Create Luxurious Sauce

Splash white wine into the skillet, then dot with butter chunks. Let the liquid bubble and reduce, transforming into a silky, rich coating that hugs every ingredient.

• Steam Oceanic Treasures

Nestle fresh clams into the bubbling mixture, arranging them carefully. Cover the skillet and let the clams dance in the flavorful steam until their shells pop open wide, revealing tender meat inside.

• Finish And Serve

Slide the entire skillet’s contents into rustic serving bowls. Shower with fresh basil ribbons and bring to the table alongside crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of the incredible sauce.

Ways to Customize Ina Garten Summer Skillet Flavor

• Clam Quality Check: Inspect each clam before cooking, discarding any with cracked shells or those that won't close when tapped. Fresh clams should smell like the ocean and have tightly closed shells.
• Wine Swap Magic: Replace white wine with dry vermouth or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Each alternative brings a unique depth to the sauce's overall flavor profile.
• Spice Adventure: Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch for mild warmth, or go bold with a generous sprinkle for those who love intense flavors.
• Seafood Fusion: Experiment by adding other shellfish like mussels or shrimp alongside clams. This technique creates a delicious mixed seafood experience that transforms the entire dish into a stunning Mediterranean-style meal.

Serving Ina Garten Summer Skillet in Style

• Dive into Seafood Bliss: Serving Suggestions for Clam Skillet
• Bread Dipping Delight: Tear warm French bread into rustic chunks and soak up the rich, buttery sauce from the skillet. The crusty bread becomes the perfect vehicle for capturing every drop of flavor.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the briny clams and cut through the richness of the butter and sausage. The crisp wine will elevate the entire dining experience.
• Summer Entertaining Setup: Serve directly from the skillet at the center of the table for a casual, communal meal. Create a relaxed atmosphere with fresh linen napkins and simple white plates that let the vibrant dish shine.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Scatter extra basil leaves just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch. The green herbs will provide a beautiful color contrast and burst of freshness against the golden-brown skillet contents.

Storing Ina Garten Summer Skillet Efficiently

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop onions, tomatoes, and measure spices in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress during meal preparation.
• Refrigeration Protocol: Store leftover clam dish in an airtight container for maximum 1-2 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Wisdom: Not recommended for this recipe due to delicate seafood texture. Clams tend to become rubbery and lose their original tender quality when frozen and reheated.
• Reheating Technique: Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of white wine to restore moisture. Avoid microwave reheating which can toughen the clams and compromise their delicate flavor profile.

Sunny Skillet With Clams Sausage And Corn Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s summer skillet with clams, sausage, and corn brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to home kitchens. Seasonal ingredients meld together, creating a simple yet elegant dish perfect for relaxed summer dining.

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Ingredients

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• 32 fresh littleneck clams, cleaned
• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (4 to 5 ears)
• 1 lb (454 g) vine-ripened tomatoes, diced into ½-inch pieces
• ¾ lb (340 g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1½ cups small-diced yellow onion (1 large)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 tbsps fresh basil, cut into thin strips
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, cut into large pieces
• Olive oil
• French bread, for serving

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing onions until translucent and soft, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
2. Sausage Transformation: Crumble sausage into the skillet, browning thoroughly until crispy and golden, infusing the pan with rich, meaty flavors.
3. Flavor Layering: Introduce corn kernels, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, stirring to harmonize the ingredients and intensify their natural essence.
4. Wine and Butter Infusion: Deglaze the skillet with white wine, then dot with butter chunks, creating a luscious liquid foundation that will elevate the seafood’s delicate profile.
5. Clam Steaming: Arrange clams in the skillet with hinged sides down, covering and allowing them to steam until they dramatically pop open, signaling perfect doneness.
6. Culinary Presentation: Plate the aromatic mixture into serving bowls, adorning with delicate basil chiffonade and serving alongside crusty French bread to complete this summer-inspired feast.

Notes

• Freshness Matters: Use fresh, high-quality clams and remove any with cracked shells or that remain closed after cooking to ensure food safety and optimal taste.
• Wine Selection Tip: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the seafood and adds depth to the dish’s flavor profile.
• Sausage Sizzle Secret: Select a spicy Italian sausage to introduce an extra layer of complexity and heat that beautifully balances the sweet corn and briny clams.
• Timing is Crucial: Watch clams carefully during steaming – discard any that don’t open after 12 minutes, as they may indicate spoilage and pose potential health risks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 50mg