Clams with black bean, garlic and chilli

Fancy a quick, delicious and slightly exotic dinner? This recipe has all of that combined into one. Yes, really. 

There is this misconception that cooking selfish requires a lot of preparation or time, which is a myth. If given the choice I would love to have selfish for dinner every night of the week. Those delicate oysters, delicate lobster, juicy mussels, and flavoursome clams! 

I was in Waitrose midweek last week and spotted these Big Prawn Company's 'Big & Juicy Delicious Clams' in their frozen aisles.  

It was already 18:30 when I was in the shop and as usual, I was hungry and can scoff down anything that puts in front of me. In my mind I wanted a healthy-ish light dinner if I were to be eating later than usual. At the same time these juicy looking clams are such a temptation.... and suddenly I know exactly what I will do.

Serves 1 (can probably be 2 if there is another dish also)

1 box of frozen white clams

A handful of fermented black beans (widely available in most Oriental food shop)

2 cloves of garlic

1 red chilli 

A splash of Shaoxing wine (or dry cherry)

1. Finely chopped the black beans, garlic and red chilli.

2. Heat a splash of oil in a frying pan.

3. Cook the finely chopped ingredients over a medium heat until the aroma is released but not burnt.

4. Now stir in the white clams. 

5. Stir fry them a little, add a splash of Shaoxing wine then put a lid (or a plate) on to let it steam for a few minutes on high heat.

That's it, done. Now you have a delicious plateful of clams. I served mine with a bowl of steamed rice and honestly, it filled me with joy!