A clam boil is cooked in a pot of boiling water on the stove, and a clam bake is cooked in a shallow sandpit, lined with stones, and layered with seaweed to give the veggies a steam bath. The core ingredients are the same for both dishes, sure, but the names describe two totally separate experiences.
The History of the Clambake
Clambake dates back to the Native American tribes in the northeast of America as far back as over 2000 years ago. They used the earth as their cooking vessel with sand, fire, and seaweed to cook the local seafood from the nearby shores.
In the late 1700s, the natives taught the pilgrims this traditional meal who in turn wrote and popularized the clambake after the American Revolution as a way of further detaching themselves from their European past. As such, the clambake is truly an American dish.
The closest to its origins is the New England clambake which is still done at the beach and cooked in the sand. Over the years as settlers moved southwest, the clambake evolved to the seafood boil which uses pots and spices.
The Best Clam Bake You’ll Ever Make
FAQ
What’s the difference between a clam bake and a seafood boil?
How does a clam bake work?
How many clams per person for clam bake?
What is a seafood boil called?
What is a clam boil Clambake?
Clambake vs. Clam Boil Clambakes are usually epic feasts that can feed dozens if not hundreds of people. They are traditionally prepared by steaming everything in a large fire pit that has been dug on the beach.
What is the difference between carbunkle, cyst and boil?
Carbuncles, cysts, and boils are distinct skin conditions, each with its own characteristics. A carbuncle is a group of interconnected boils, typically larger and more painful. Cysts are closed sacs filled with fluid or material, often non-infectious and soft to the touch. Boils, also known as furuncles, are painful, pus-filled lumps that result from infected hair follicles. While all can be uncomfortable, they may require different treatments depending on their severity and location, with boils and carbuncles often needing drainage and cysts potentially requiring removal for medical or cosmetic reasons.
Do clam boils include clams?
Yes, clam boils include clams. I know, shocking! These are typically soft shell clams (steamers) and/or hard shell clams, typically littlenecks. Sometimes larger hardshell clams like cherrystones are used but they can take up valuable space in your stockpot. 2. Potatoes
Is a New England clam boil the same as a clambake?
Though lesser known, a New England clam boil is almost identical to a clambake. However, a PortugueseNew England clam boil puts a little twist on things, and, in my opinion, elevates a typical New England clam boil into a much more flavorful clam boil recipe.