It may open its shell to ‘walk’ along the seafloor, but if it feels threatened, it can contract those muscles so tensely that you won’t even be able to open a clam shell with your two bare hands.

Add clams, cover and cook, stirring twice, until clams open, 4 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer clams to serving bowl, discarding any that refuse to open.