What is a “con chip chip”? Surprising nutritional value

In Vietnamese seafood cuisine, “chip chip” (a type of surf clam) is a familiar ingredient, frequently appearing in many appealing dishes. Thanks to their naturally sweet flavor and high nutritional value, these clams are widely loved and have become a popular ingredient in family meals. So, what exactly is a chip chip clam, what is its nutritional value, and what delicious dishes can be prepared with it? Let’s explore the details with Ola Squid in the article below.

1. What is a chip chip clam?

Chip chip is a bivalve mollusk, belonging to the silk clam family, also known by other names such as flower clam or silk shell. This type of seafood typically inhabits the coastal regions of Central and Southern Vietnam such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Yen, etc., where there are sandy beaches and salt or brackish water environments.

Chip chip clams have a relatively small size, thin shells with characteristic striped patterns or marbled colors like ivory white, brownish yellow, or dark brown. When alive, the shells are usually tightly closed and one might see the foot protruding. When cooked, the shell turns light yellow. Inside is the ivory-white meat, which has a delicate sweetness, a slight chewiness, and a fragrant aroma.

Thanks to their distinct flavor and ease of preparation, chip chip clams are commonly used in various dishes such as steamed, stir-fried, grilled, or cooked in soups. This is also a familiar type of seafood in coastal culinary culture, especially famous in the Central region of Vietnam.

2. Nutritional value of chip chip clams

Chip chip clams are not only attractive for their delicate sweetness but also provide many nutritional benefits for the body. Some notable nutritional values of chip chip include:

• High-quality protein: Chip chip provides an abundant source of protein that helps supplement energy, supports muscle development, and regenerates tissues in the body.
• Low calorie, low fat: Due to the low fat content but high nutritional value, chip chip is suitable for those on a diet, losing weight, or managing weight.
• Provides important minerals: Chip chip contains zinc, selenium, potassium, and magnesium which help boost the immune system, support wound healing, stabilize blood pressure, and maintain a healthy heart rate.
• Supplements iron and vitamin B12: These two nutrients support red blood cell production, prevent anemia, and maintain the healthy function of the nervous system.
• Good for cardiovascular and brain health: A small amount of omega-3 in chip chip helps support memory, improve brain function, and contributes to reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
• Refreshing, supports cooling: With natural cooling properties, chip chip is often prepared into steamed dishes, soups, or porridge to help cool the body and provide nourishment.

See more: What are delicious dishes to make with clams? Top 19 must-try clam recipes

3. Fragrant steamed chip chip dishes

Chip chip can be prepared into many different dishes, but the most popular way to retain their full natural flavor remains steaming. Below is the recipe for preparing some highly loved steamed chip chip dishes.

3.1. Thai-style steamed chip chip

Ingredients for Thai-style steamed chip chip include:

• 1 kg of fresh chip chip
• A few slices of ginger and galangal, a bit of cilantro
• 3-4 stalks of lemongrass, 5 lime leaves
• 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 chili peppers
• 2-3 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce

Simple Thai-style steamed chip chip method:

• Step 1 – Prepare the clams: After buying the chip chip, soak and clean them to remove sand and impurities before cooking.
• Step 2 – Make the sauce: Next, sauté minced garlic with bruised lemongrass until fragrant, then add ginger, galangal, and chili to release their aroma. Add about 100 ml of filtered water (or fresh coconut water) and bring to a boil. Then season with fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice to taste, and add torn lime leaves.
• Step 3 – Steam the clams: When the sauce is boiling and well-combined, add the chip chip, stir gently, and cover to steam for about 5-7 minutes until the shells open.
• Step 4 – Completion: Finally, turn off the heat, sprinkle with cilantro, and enjoy while hot to fully savor the characteristic sour and spicy taste.

See more: 5 Ways to make delicious, simple Thai-style steamed clams at home

3.2. Steamed chip chip with lemongrass and ginger

Prepare ingredients:

• 1 kg of fresh chip chip
• 3-4 stalks of lemongrass, 1 small piece of ginger
• 4-5 lime leaves, 1-2 chili peppers (depending on taste)
• Spices: fish sauce, salt, pepper, fresh lime

The method for steaming chip chip with lemongrass and ginger is as follows:

• Step 1 – Preparation: First, soak the chip chip in diluted saltwater or rice washing water for about 1-2 hours to release the sand, you can add a few chili slices to clean them faster. Then rinse thoroughly multiple times with clean water.
• Step 2 – Prepare ingredients: Wash lemongrass, bruise it, and cut into segments. Clean ginger, slice thinly, and slice the chili. Clean lime leaves and tear them into small pieces.
• Step 3 – Steam the clams: Next, line the bottom of the pot with a layer of lemongrass and ginger, place the chip chip on top, and scatter the remaining lemongrass, ginger, chili, and lime leaves. Add about 100 ml of water, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes until the chip chip opens its mouths, meaning they are cooked.
• Step 4 – Completion: Finally, mix fish sauce with lime, chili, and a little pepper to make a dipping sauce. Steamed chip chip with lemongrass and ginger has a natural sweetness, a pungent aroma, and is very attractive when served hot.

See more: 2 recipes for delicious and easy-to-make lemongrass steamed apple snails

3.3. Steamed chip chip with basil

Ingredients needed:

• 1 kg of fresh chip chip
• 3-4 stalks of lemongrass, 5-6 garlic cloves
• 1-2 fresh chili peppers, 1 bunch of basil

Guide to making steamed chip chip with basil:

• Step 1 – Prepare the clams: Soak the chip chip in water to release all sand and impurities, then rinse thoroughly several times until clean.
• Step 2 – Prepare ingredients: Bruise or slice the lemongrass, crush the garlic, and slice the chili. Pick the young basil leaves, wash, and let drain.
• Step 3 – Steam the clams: Then, line the bottom of the pot with lemongrass, garlic, and some basil, add about 100 ml of water. Put the chip chip in, scatter the remaining lemongrass and chili on top, then cover and steam.
• Step 4 – Completion: When the chip chip starts to open their mouths, add the basil and stir gently, then turn off the heat. The dish has the characteristic aroma of basil, the natural sweetness of the chip chip, and is very delicious when dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce or chili sauce.

See more: What are delicious dishes to make with baby basket clams? Top 10 extremely easy-to-cook recipes

4. Notes when buying and processing chip chip clams

To ensure the steamed chip chip dish is delicious and safe to enjoy, you should pay attention to some important points below:

• Choose fresh, live chip chip: You should choose those with shells tightly closed or slightly open that will close immediately when touched. The shells must be clean, with clear patterns, no cracks, and no unusual foul smell. Avoid buying those that are wide open and do not react when touched because they may already be dead.
• Soak the chip chip to remove sand: Before processing, you should soak the chip chip in diluted saltwater or rice washing water for about 30 minutes to a few hours. You can add a few slices of chili to help the chip chip release sand and impurities faster.
• Do not steam for too long: The ideal steaming time for chip chip is only about 5-7 minutes from the moment the water boils. Steaming for too long will cause the meat to shrink, become chewy, and lose its natural sweetness.
• Keep the steaming temperature stable: You should boil the water vigorously before adding the chip chip to help them cook quickly, retaining moisture and fresh flavor.
• Do not eat too much: Chip chip is a type of seafood with “cool” properties, so if you eat too much in one meal, it can cause a cold stomach or indigestion.

From the information above, it can be seen that chip chip clams are not only a familiar seafood in the Central coastal region but also bring delicious flavors and significant nutritional value. To explore more interesting knowledge about types of seafood, tips on choosing fresh ingredients, as well as how to prepare other flavorful dishes, don’t forget to visit the Blog of Ola Squid right now. If you are interested in premium dried seafood, visit our store page to discover more.