Fried Clams are a delicacy that will tantalize your taste buds with their crunchy golden coating. This beloved seafood dish is a true treat, and once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it is considered a delicacy. Tim Connolly from Freeport, Maine, shares this recipe that captures the essence of this beloved dish.
Made with fresh cherrystone clams, yellow cornmeal, cake flour, and a simple batter, these fried clams have a crispy exterior that gives way to tender and succulent meat. The clams are fried to a golden brown perfection, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that is hard to resist.
With just 30 minutes of preparation and cooking time, you can enjoy a dozen of these delectable fried clams. They make a fantastic appetizer or main course option, and they are best served immediately.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1½ cups yellow cornmeal, divided
- ½ cup cake flour, divided
- ⅔ cup water
- 12 fresh cherrystone clams, shucked
- Oil for deep-fat frying
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Tartar sauce or seafood cocktail sauce (optional)
PREPARATION:
- In a shallow bowl, combine ¾ cup of cornmeal and ¼ cup of flour with water, forming a batter.
- In another bowl, combine the remaining cornmeal and flour.
- Dip the shucked clams in the batter, allowing any excess to shake off. Coat them with the cornmeal mixture.
- In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat the oil to 375°F. Fry the clams a few at a time for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
- Serve the fried clams immediately. They can be enjoyed plain or served with tartar sauce or seafood cocktail sauce, if desired.
YIELD: Makes 1 dozen fried clams
PREP/COOK TIME: 30 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Shuck the clams before starting the recipe. If you’re unsure how to shuck clams, you can find tutorials online or ask your fishmonger for assistance.
- Use fresh cherrystone clams for the best results. They have a sweet and tender flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.
- Be cautious when working with hot oil. Use proper safety precautions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your electric skillet or deep-fat fryer.
- Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences. You can sprinkle more or less salt on the fried clams as desired.
- Serve the fried clams immediately after cooking to ensure they retain their crispy texture.
TIPS:
- Serve the fried clams as an appetizer with a side of tartar sauce or seafood cocktail sauce for dipping.
- Enjoy the fried clams as a main course by pairing them with french fries and coleslaw for a classic seafood platter.
- Accompany the fried clams with lemon wedges for a bright and tangy flavor.
- For added flavor, you can season the cornmeal mixture with spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or Old Bay seasoning.
- Explore different dipping sauces such as spicy aioli, remoulade, or chipotle mayo to complement the flavors of the fried clams.
Fried Clams are a beloved delicacy that will captivate your taste buds with their irresistible crispy golden coating. Tim Connolly from Freeport, Maine, shares this recipe that captures the essence of this classic seafood dish. Made with fresh cherrystone clams and a simple cornmeal batter, these fried clams are a true treat.
With just 30 minutes of preparation and cooking time, you can enjoy a dozen of these mouthwatering fried clams. They make a fantastic appetizer or main course option, and they are best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Indulge in the crunchy exterior that gives way to tender and succulent clams. The golden brown coating pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the clams, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Serve the fried clams as an appetizer with tartar sauce or seafood cocktail sauce for dipping. They can also be enjoyed as a main course alongside traditional accompaniments like french fries and coleslaw.
Prepare a batch of these Fried Clams for your next gathering or seafood feast. Your guests will be delighted by their deliciousness and appreciate the incredible flavors of this beloved delicacy.
