"Steamers", also known as "Soft-Shell Clams", are completely different from the hard-shell varieties many of you are thinking of. They are relatively small; have an extremely thin, brittle shell; & are always served steamed - never "stuffed", "baked", or "raw" - usually with drawn butter & lemon, & sometimes with a cup of the steaming liquid on the side. Obviously you can also steam hard-shell clams, but they're not called "Steamers".
When I make Steamers as a meal by themselves, I buy 4 pounds for my husband & myself. If I was serving them along with other entree items, I'd probably count on just 1 pound per person instead of 2.
Oh - & if you have any leftover cooked Steamers, just shell them & peel the siphon/neck as usual, then save them in a little of their steaming broth to add to "Clam Sauce" for "Spaghetti with Clam Sauce" in a day or two (or you can freeze them).
Now you've given me a taste for them. Will have to pick some up at the market today or tomorrow.
I'm here to learn. I always thought that steamers were a size designation, not a different species. Similar to stewing oysters. I don't know that I have ever seen any clams in Richmond labelled steamers or soft shells. Will have to look closer.
Also - if any of you have enjoyed "fried clams" in a restaurant or from the supermarket frozen food section, those are soft-shell clams.
I fondly remember clamming for soft-shells growing up on Long Island, NY's waterfront. "Razor Clams", though different in appearance, are also considered a "soft shell". Back when I was growing up (when the dinosaurs roamed - lol!), we used to toss Razor Clams back as they were supposedly "inedible". Little did we know. They're now a much sought after prize.
Oh, & one more little educational tidbit - the HUGE Geoduck of the Pacific Northwest is a soft-shell clam!
When my son and daughter were 10 & 8. I took them to a pub that specialized in steamed seafood. I thought that they would want a hot dog or a burger, but to my surprise, they wanted to try the clams and mussels. Well, 4 dozen clams and two orders of mussels later, they finally said they were full! The waitress just shook her head and laughed!