The Greenest Coconut Curry with Clams and Rice Noodles

A vibrant Thai-inspired coconut curry featuring fresh littleneck clams and rice noodles in a fragrant green herb sauce made with cilantro, basil, lemongrass, and coconut cream. This aromatic dish combines the sweetness of coconut with the briny flavor of clams and fresh herbs.

4 servings
40 min

Ingredients

  • 2 whole serrano chiles
  • 1 piece ginger
  • 2 stalks lemongrass
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 can coconut cream
  • 3 cups cilantro leaves
  • 3 cups basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
  • 36 pieces littleneck clams
  • 8 ounces rice stick noodles
  • ½ whole lime
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Purée chopped chile, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, brown sugar, and 3 cups water in a blender until smooth. Transfer curry to a small bowl. Reserve blender (no need to clean).

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Purée coconut cream, cilantro, 3 cups basil, and 1/4 cup ice water in blender until very smooth; set herb purée aside.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Heat oil in a large saucepan or small pot over medium-high. Add clams, cover, and cook until clams open, 5-7 minutes. Uncover and transfer opened clams to a medium bowl, reserving cooking liquid in saucepan. If any clams are still closed, cover and cook a few minutes longer, then add to bowl with others; discard any clams that refuse to open.

    7 min

  4. 4.

    Add curry base to saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes to let flavors meld.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Divide among bowls.

    8 min

  6. 6.

    Using a slotted spoon, transfer clams to noodle bowls. Pour any accumulated clam-cooking liquid into curry mixture and stir in herb purée; bring to a boil. Immediately remove from heat and squeeze in juice from lime. Taste and season with salt if needed. Ladle curry over clams and noodles. Top with sliced chile and basil leaves.

    5 min