Xinh's Clams in Black Bean Sauce
 
Ingredients:
 
5 pounds Manila clams (4 pounds may be used)
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 medium onion, sliced
1 tablespoon chopped lemongrass
1 clove minced garlic
3 tablespoons cooking sherry
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons sesame seed oil
3 tablespoons black bean sauce (hoisin), undrained
1 green onion, chopped (garnish)

Cooking directions:
 
In a pan with a fitted lid (large enough to hold 5 pounds of clams) 
melt butter and brown the garlic.  Add onion, lemongrass, garlic, 
sherry, hoisin sauce, salt, pepper and sesame oil. Sauté lightly.  
Add 3/4 cup water and bring to a boil.  Add washed clams to mixture, 
mix well and cover.  Bring to a boil and cook until clams are open.  
Sprinkle green onions on top, cover and cook for 5 minutes.