Wash shells of clams with vegetable brush to remove sand. Use stainless saute pan large enough to hold 16 clams with a lid. Add oil, garlic, shallots and red pepper flakes to pan and saute for 2 minutes. Add white wine and clams cover and turn to medium high to steam. When clams open remove from heat, add cilantro and squeeze fresh lime on top, cover and shake to incorporate all ingredients, and serve. Adjust quantity of ingredients to your taste on the following batches. Do not add too much wine or you will have soup.
Other Notes
Some nice crusty bread to sop up the broth is wonderful. A nice chardonnay or ice cold beer works well.