アサリ

あさり
noun
short-neck clam
1. short-neck clam, Manila clam, littleneck clam
A small bivalve commonly used in Japanese cooking, typically in miso soup, pasta, and sake-steamed dishes.
アサリを洗(あら)う。
Wash the clams.
アサリの味噌汁(みそしる)を作(つく)った。
I made clam miso soup.
潮干狩(しおひが)りでアサリをたくさん取(と)った。
I collected a lot of clams while clamming at low tide.

アサリ is one of the most common shellfish in Japanese cuisine. It is a small bivalve found in tidal flats and widely available at supermarkets.

KANJI:
Usually written in katakana. The kanji 浅蜊(あさり) exists but is rarely used.

COMMON DISHES:

  • アサリの味噌汁(みそしる): clam miso soup
  • アサリの酒蒸(さかむ)し: sake-steamed clams
  • ボンゴレ: vongole (clam pasta)

PREPARATION:
Before cooking, clams are soaked in salt water for 砂抜(すなぬ)き (sand removal). This step is essential and commonly mentioned in recipes.

CULTURE:
潮干狩(しおひが)り (clam digging at low tide) is a popular spring leisure activity in Japan, especially for families.

general
Added 2026.2.5 23:29 · Revised 2026.3.25 13:08
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