How do I open a fresh clam?

By far the easiest way to prepare these clams is to steam them, and this is highly recommended for those who have little experience. It is worth shucking these clams, as they can close up fairly tightly and unless you are experienced it is quite easy to cut yourself quite badly because the lips of the shells can break as pressure is applied. If you want to use them in a sauce the best thing to do is to steam them just until they open up then take them and add them to the sauce at the last possible minute, as they toughen up if they are overcooked. If you want them to be fully cooked and served separately, just keep checking the pot until they are open and then time them for about 2-5 minutes depending upon the size of the clams. If a clam isn't open after steaming it do not eat it, since it may be spoiled. This is particularly important when eating clams at a restaurant, as often those served at restaurants are not as fresh as those bought at a market.