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Crispy Fried Clams Recipe

Crispy Fried Clams Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy Fried Clams emerge from a sizzling bath of golden batter, delivering pure coastal comfort straight to your plate. Fresh clams coated in seasoned flour create a crunchy seafood treat that transports you to a New England shoreline.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh clams
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking and Serving:

  • Vegetable oil
  • Lemon wedges
  • Tartar sauce

Instructions

  1. Carefully rinse your 1 pound of fresh shucked clams under cold running water. Pat them completely dry using paper towels.
  2. Create a seasoned coating by thoroughly combining 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a shallow dish.
  3. Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot, heating it precisely to 375°F. Use a cooking thermometer to confirm accurate temperature.
  4. Dredge each clam through your seasoned flour mixture, gently shaking off excess coating to ensure a light, even layer.
  5. Lower clams carefully into the 375°F hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain consistent oil temperature.
  6. Fry each batch of clams for exactly 2-3 minutes, watching for a uniform golden brown color and crispy exterior.
  7. Extract fried clams using a slotted spoon, transferring them onto paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  8. Arrange hot clams on a serving plate, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges and optional tartar sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Fresh clams work best when they’re plump and have a clean, briny smell without any fishiness.
  • Thoroughly pat clams dry before coating to help the flour adhere and create a crispier exterior.
  • Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for even, golden-brown results.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with cornmeal or rice flour to get an equally crunchy coating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Fried
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg