CLAMS CASINO MAZEMEN

Clams Casino Mazemen image

Provided by Justin Warner, Food Network Star Season 8 Winner

Time 55m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 strips bacon, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium shallots, minced
One 1-inch knob fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup Italian flavored breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
2 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 pound Manila clams, scrubbed
Two 4-ounce packages instant ramen noodles
Fresh basil and red pepper flakes, for garnish, optional

Steps:

In a large saucepan, add the bacon and cook over medium-high heat until the bacon begins to brown, a couple of minutes. Add the garlic, shallots and ginger and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots have softened, about 5 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer half of the bacon mixture to a medium bowl. Add the breadcrumbs and Parmesan to this same bowl. Stir to combine and set aside to use as topping later.
Add the stock and wine to the saute pan with the remaining bacon mixture to deglaze, scraping up any cooked bits stuck to the bottom. Add the clams, then cover and cook until the clams begin to open, about 10 minutes. Push the clams to one side and add the ramen noodles, then cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3 minutes.
Turn the broiler on.
Pour the saucepan components into a 14-inch cast-iron pan and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Broil until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Serve sprinkled with basil and red pepper flakes, if desired.