This Easy Instant Pot Steamed Clams Recipe lets you enjoy tender, juicy clams in just minutes without the hassle of a traditional stovetop steaming. Infused with garlic, butter, and white wine, it’s a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.

Tender, juicy clams cooked in the Instant Pot with garlic, butter, and white wine, served in a bowl ready to eat.
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

Enjoy restaurant-quality steamed clams at home in just minutes with this Easy Instant Pot Steamed Clams recipe.

Using the Instant Pot cuts down cooking time while locking in all the savory flavors of garlic, butter, and white wine.

The clams come out tender and juicy every time, making this a perfect weeknight seafood dinner or an impressive dish for guests.

Simple, flavorful, and fuss-free, it’s a seafood recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Tender steamed clams cooked in the Instant Pot with garlic, butter, and white wine, served in a bowl ready to eat.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Super Quick and Easy: Steam fresh clams in just minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
  • Tender and Juicy: The Instant Pot locks in moisture, giving perfectly cooked clams every time.
  • Bursting with Flavor: Garlic, butter, and white wine create a rich, savory sauce that enhances the seafood.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with family and friends.
  • Beginner-Friendly: No complicated techniques or equipment needed—anyone can make it!

If you are looking for even more Easy Instant Pot Seafood Recipes, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT-LEMON ROASTED SALMON, NINJA FOODI SHRIMP RISOTTO, INSTANT POT CRAB LEGS, and INSTANT POT-LEMON ROASTED SALMON.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Easy Instant Pot Steamed Clams on kitchen table.
  • White Wine: Adds rich, tangy flavor and aromatic depth to seafood.
  • Water: Provides steam to cook clams evenly and gently.
  • Minced Garlic: Infuses clams with bold, savory, aromatic flavor.
  • Clams: Fresh, tender shellfish, perfect for steaming quickly.

How To Make Easy Instant Pot Steamed Clams

Adding white wine, water, and minced garlic to the Instant Pot for steaming clams.

Step One: Add the wine, water, and garlic to your Instant Pot mix together.

Placing clams in the Instant Pot steamer basket, cooking on high pressure for 4 minutes with quick release.

Step Two: Add your clams on top of your Instant Pot Steamer Basket. Set the manual high pressure for 4 minutes and quick release when the timer beeps.

Tender steamed clams cooked in the Instant Pot with garlic, butter, and white wine, served in a bowl.

Easy Instant Pot Steamed Clams Recipe Tips

  • Use Fresh Clams: Make sure the clams are alive and tightly closed before cooking. Discard any that are cracked or open.
  • Clean Thoroughly: Soak clams in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove sand, then scrub the shells.
  • Don’t Overcook: Steam just 4 minutes on high pressure; overcooking makes clams tough and rubbery.
  • Flavor Boost: Add garlic, white wine, butter, and fresh herbs for a rich, savory sauce.
  • Quick Release: Use quick release to stop cooking immediately once the timer goes off.

Storing Instructions

  • Room Temperature: Best served immediately; clams lose texture if left out too long.
  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of wine or water.
  • Freezing: Steamed clams do not freeze well as they become rubbery. It’s better to cook fresh for best texture and flavor.
Freshly steamed clams cooked in the Instant Pot with garlic, butter, and white wine, served in a bowl.

Easy Instant Pot Steamed Clams Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen clams? It’s best to use fresh clams. Frozen clams may release too much water and can become rubbery when cooked quickly in the Instant Pot.

How do I know if the clams are cooked? Clams are done when their shells open fully. Discard any that remain closed after cooking.

Can I substitute white wine? Yes! You can use chicken broth, seafood stock, or even water with a splash of lemon juice.

How long do clams last after cooking? Cooked clams can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I add other flavors or toppings? Absolutely! Fresh herbs, crushed red pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavor.

Can I overcook clams in the Instant Pot? Yes. Overcooking makes clams tough and rubbery. Stick to 4 minutes on high pressure and use a quick release.

Can I serve clams with pasta or bread? Yes! Steamed clams pair perfectly with crusty bread, pasta, or even risotto for a complete meal.

More Instant Pot Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!​

Easy Instant Pot Steamed Clams

Easy Instant Pot Steamed Clams

4.80 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Make tender, juicy clams quickly in your Instant Pot with garlic, butter, and white wine. This easy seafood recipe is perfect for weeknights or special occasions!

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds clams

Instructions

  • In your Instant Pot, add the 1/2 cup white wine and 1/2 cup water, and 2 teaspoons garlic. Mix well.
  • Then on your steamer tray, place the 2 pounds clams.
  • Set the manual high pressure for 4 minutes, ensuring that the vent is on the sealing mark.
  • Do a quick release when the timer beeps.
  • Serve with a side of butter or a bowl of the cooking sauce

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Ladle

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 3gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.05gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 15mgPotassium: 29mgFiber: 0.02gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 68IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.4mg

Share this recipe

We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!