Rinse shellfish under cold water and drain thoroughly before cooking.
Add one to two inches of water or your favorite beer (this adds bite) in a large steamer or pot and add clams.
Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Steam clams for 3 to 5 minutes, until their shells open. Remove each clam as its shell opens and serve immediately. Discard any clams that are not open.