Best 13 Deep Fried Clams Recipes

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Deep-fried clams are a quintessential summer treat, enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're at a clam shack on the beach, a carnival, or a backyard barbecue, there's nothing quite like biting into a crispy, golden-brown fried clam. But what makes a great fried clam? Is it the perfect batter, the right frying oil, or the freshest clams? In this article, we'll explore all the factors that go into making the best deep-fried clams, so you can enjoy this delicious seafood treat at home.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

FRIED CLAMS WITH TARTAR AND COCKTAIL SAUCES



Fried Clams with Tartar and Cocktail Sauces image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Time 1h35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

2 cups corn flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup milk
1 large egg
Canola oil, for frying
1 pound shucked frozen long-neck or soft-shell clam bellies, thawed, or freshly shucked clams
1 cup Tartar Sauce, recipe follows
1 cup Cocktail Sauce, recipe follows
Lemon wedges, for serving
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons dill relish
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Calabrian chile paste, or more to taste
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, or more to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine the corn flour, all-purpose flour, seafood seasoning, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk together the milk and egg in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  • Add enough oil to a heavy-bottomed pot fitted with a deep-frying thermometer to reach 4 inches up the sides. Heat the oil to 365 degrees F and line a sheet tray with paper towels.
  • Dip the clams in the milk, then into the seasoned flour. Add 8 to 10 clams to the oil at a time and fry in batches until they are crispy and golden brown, 45 seconds to 1 minute. Remove the clams to the lined sheet tray. Continue frying the remaining clams.
  • Sprinkle the clams with salt and pepper and transfer to a platter. Serve with the Tartar and Cocktail sauces and lemon wedges.
  • Stir together the mayonnaise, relish, dill, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a medium bowl and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
  • Stir together the ketchup, chile paste, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire, salt and pepper in a medium bowl and refrigerate until serving, or up to 1 week.

DEEP FRIED CLAMS



Deep Fried Clams image

If you're addicted to those restaurant fried clams, try making your own at home with this simple recipe using a deep-fryer or Dutch oven.

Provided by Peggy Trowbridge Filippone

Categories     Appetizer     Entree     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups saltine crackers (finely crushed)
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chile pepper (or cayenne pepper)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 10-ounce can whole baby clams (drained)
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
1/3 cup peanut oil (for frying)

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients. Preheat the deep-fryer to 375 F or heat 3 inches of peanut oil in a Dutch oven.
  • Measure cracker crumbs, poultry seasoning, salt, chipotle pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and dill weed into a large zip-top bag. Toss to combine. Set aside.
  • Stir the clams into the beaten eggs. Using a slotted spoon, remove a few clams at a time and place them in the bag of herbed cracker crumbs. Shake to coat, remove clams, and place on a platter. Repeat until all clams are coated.
  • Fry clams in batches, about 30 seconds, until golden brown. Take care not to crowd the clams while frying. Drain on paper towels and serve hot as an appetizer or entrée.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 416 kcal, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 128 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 548 mg, Sugar 0 g, Fat 24 g, ServingSize 2 to 4 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

FRIED CLAMS AND OYSTERS



Fried Clams and Oysters image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     appetizer

Time 23m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Olive oil, for frying
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 pound, small, shucked clams, about 20 to 25
1/2 pound, small, shucked oysters, about 8 to 10
1 lemon, cut in 1/2
Sea salt
1 1/2 cups marinara or arrabiata sauce (store bought or homemade), warmed
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, if using marinara (not arrabiata) sauce

Steps:

  • Pour enough olive oil into a large, deep, heavy frying pan to reach a depth of 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F.
  • While the oil is heating, put the buttermilk and the bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Working in batches, dip clams and oysters in buttermilk to coat completely. Allow the excess buttermilk to drip back in to the bowl. Dredge clams and oysters in the bread crumbs. Place the clams and oysters on a baking sheet, and continue.
  • When the oil is hot, fry the clams and oysters in batches, about 3 minutes per batch. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried seafood to paper towels to drain.
  • Immediately sprinkle the fried seafood with freshly squeezed lemon and sea salt. Serve with a bowl of warmed spicy marinara or arrabiata sauce for dipping.

NEW ENGLAND DEEP FRIED CLAMS



New England Deep Fried Clams image

Make and share this New England Deep Fried Clams recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Steve P.

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 40m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 egg, separated
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup flour, sifted
1 pint raw maine clam, shucked
oil (for frying)

Steps:

  • Beat egg white until stiff.
  • Add milk, salt, and melted butter to egg yolk and beat together.
  • Add flour and stir.
  • Fold into stiffly beaten egg white.
  • Drain clams and dip each into batter and fry in deep fat at 375F until golden.
  • Drain on paper towels.

CLAM FRITTERS



Clam Fritters image

We had clam fritters every time we went to Rhode Island. I looked for a recipe and finally found this one. Now we have them whenever we want.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 20m

Yield 14-16 fritters.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 can (6-1/2 ounces) minced clams
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
1/3 cup diced onion
Oil for deep-fat frying
Tartar sauce and/or lemon wedges, optional

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper; set aside. Drain clams, reserving 2 tablespoons juice; set clams aside. In a small bowl, beat the egg, milk and reserved clam juice; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Add the clams and onion. , In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels. Serve fritters with tartar sauce and/or lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition Facts :

FRIED IPSWICH WHOLE BELLY CLAMS WITH TARTAR SAUCE



Fried Ipswich Whole Belly Clams with Tartar Sauce image

Provided by Sandy Ingber

Categories     Shellfish     Appetizer     Fry     Seafood     Clam     Summer     Sugar Conscious     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup all-purpose flour
6 large eggs
3 cups cracker meal (see Notes)
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons cornmeal
2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
2 pounds (about 4 cups) Ipswich clams, drained (see Notes)
Canola oil for frying
Tartar Sauce

Steps:

  • Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Set up for what we call "standard breading procedure": Put the flour in a shallow bowl; put the eggs in a second shallow bowl and beat them with a fork; put the cracker meal, bread crumbs, cornmeal, and Old Bay in a third shallow bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Spread the clams out on several layers of paper towels and blot them as dry as possible.
  • Heat about 3 inches of canola oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat to 360°F.
  • Toss the clams in the flour and shake off any excess. Dip the clams into the egg, coating them completely. Lift them out by the handful and let any excess egg drip off, then put the clams into the breading mixture and toss to coat them completely. Keep one hand dry and use the other hand for wet. Transfer to the baking sheet. If the breading begins to clump, put it through a coarse sieve.
  • Fry the clams in small batches-crowding the pan will lower the temperature of the oil and the clams will come out greasy-until golden brown and crisp, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels.
  • Pile the clams on 4 dinner plates and serve with individual bowls of tartar sauce-and some fries.

BATTERED FRIED CLAMS



Battered Fried Clams image

These fried clams are nothing like the ones you find frozen in the supermarket, these are the real McCoy. I like to serve them with my KFC Coleslaw Recipe #110948, chips, or onion rings and french fries and of course tartar sauce is an absolute must! AYUH thats the truth. Note:the cook time is 1-1/2minutes PER BATCH

Provided by lets.eat

Categories     No Shell Fish

Time 11m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup milk
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon butter, melted and cooled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg white
1 pint shucked clam, rinsed and well drained
oil (for deep frying)
tartar sauce, for dipping

Steps:

  • In a medium sized bowl mix milk, egg yolk, butter, and salt. Sift the flour into the milk mixture stir until smooth. In a small chilled bowl beat the egg white with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. (For best results: refrigerate the bowl, mixer blade and egg white prior to mixing) Fold the beaten egg white into the milk mixture.
  • In a large saucepan or deep fat fryer heat oil to 375'. Poke each clam with fork. Dip clams into the batter. Fry a few at a time around 1-1/2 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Remove with slotted spoon, drain on paper towels or on brown paper bags. Keep warm in a 300' oven while frying the remaining clams.
  • Serve with tartar sauce.

DEEP-FRIED STEAMER CLAMS



Deep-Fried Steamer Clams image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories     dinner, appetizer

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 pints shucked steamer clams
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon freshly grated black pepper
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups flour
2 cups corn, peanut or vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Put the clams in a mixing bowl and add salt, pepper and buttermilk.
  • Put the flour in a large flat dish and add the clams. Toss the clams to coat well. Shake off excess flour.
  • Heat the oil in a deep skillet or wok. When it is quite hot (365 degrees on a deep-fat thermometer) add about one quarter of the clams and cook, stirring so that they brown evenly, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. As the clams brown and become crisp, scoop them out with a perforated kitchen spoon onto absorbent paper towels. Add another batch of clams. Continue cooking until all the clams are crisp and browned.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 866, UnsaturatedFat 44 grams, Carbohydrate 58 grams, Fat 52 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 41 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 1424 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

FRIED SOFT-SHELL CLAMS



Fried Soft-Shell Clams image

Provided by Jason Epstein

Categories     dinner, lunch, quick, weekday, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 pounds or 40 medium-size soft-shell (steamer) clams
1 can of evaporated milk or an equal amount of buttermilk
1 quart canola or corn oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup masa harina (fine ground yellow cornmeal)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup tartar sauce (see recipe)

Steps:

  • Rinse the clams under cold water and drain. Fill a pot large enough to hold all the clams half full of water and bring to a boil. Add the clams, reduce the flame to low and let the clams sit for 3 or 4 minutes. Drain and place the clams in a bowl of cold water. When cool, open each shell and remove the clam. Use a small knife to cut out any that adhere. Discard the black mantle covering the neck. Soak the clams in a bowl with evaporated milk or buttermilk.
  • In a heavy skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 360 degrees. Meanwhile, remove the clams from the milk and drain. Combine the flour, masa harina, baking powder and salt. When the oil is hot, toss the clams in the flour mixture to coat. Shake off any loose flour and immediately put the clams into the oil. Do not let floured clams sit or they will not be crisp when fried. In a minute or two, when the clams are a little darker than cornflakes, remove them, drain on paper towels and serve with tartar sauce.

FRIED CLAMS



Fried Clams image

The clam's crunchy, golden coating will truly melt in your mouth. One bite and you'll understand why these are considered a delicacy! Tim Connolly, Freeport, Maine

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1-1/2 cups yellow cornmeal, divided
1/2 cup cake flour, divided
2/3 cup water
12 fresh cherrystone clams, shucked
Oil for deep-fat frying
1/2 teaspoon salt
Tartar sauce or seafood cocktail sauce, optional

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, combine 3/4 cup cornmeal and 1/4 cup flour with the water, forming a batter. In another bowl, combine the remaining cornmeal and flour., Dip clams in batter; shake off excess. Coat with cornmeal mixture., In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry clams, a few at a time, for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels; sprinkle with salt. , Serve immediately with sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 127 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 106mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

FRIED CLAMS



Fried Clams image

Provided by Joey Campanaro

Categories     Milk/Cream     Fry     Lemon     Cornmeal     Clam     Summer     Parsley     Gourmet

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

10 cups canola oil
2 pounds clam strips (about 4 cups)
1 cup buttermilk, well-shaken
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup cornmeal (preferably yellow, for color)
1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 lemons
1 1/2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs, well-dried and loosely packed
Kosher salt, to taste
Accompaniment: Lemon Coriander Aïoli

Steps:

  • Start by heating canola oil in pot over moderate heat until a deep-fat thermometer registers 380°F.
  • While oil is heating, rinse and drain clam strips in a colander and stir together with buttermilk in a large bowl. Drain clams well in a colander set over a bowl, at least 5 minutes (reserve drained buttermilk).
  • Stir together cornstarch, cornmeal, flour, curry powder, celery salt, cayenne, and kosher salt in a large bowl.
  • Dredge 1 handful of drained clams in flour mixture, then shake in a large sieve over flour bowl to remove excess flour. Transfer clams, one by one, shaking them again to remove any excess flour mixture, to a baking sheet. Wash and dry lemons and cut crosswise into 1/16-inch slices. Dip 3 or 4 slices in reserved buttermilk, let excess drip off, then dredge in flour mixture, shaking off excess (don't use the sieve).
  • Fry coated clams with coated lemon slices and 1/4 cup parsley sprigs per batch until clams are crisp and golden, about 1 1/2 minutes, then transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with kosher salt to taste. Return oil to 380°F between batches, removing any bits of fried batter with a fine sieve and coating next batch of clams and lemon slices. The batches will get progressively darker, but that won't affect the flavor.
  • Available at Wild Edibles (212-687-4255) and many fish stores with advance notice.

PANKO-BREADED FRIED RAZOR CLAMS



Panko-Breaded Fried Razor Clams image

I grew up on the West Coast where these tasty little treats are found. You can vary the amount of ingredients used in the recipe according to the number of clams you have, but be sure to use real Parmesan cheese and only panko crumbs, not regular bread crumbs. Pound the necks with a meat tenderizer, or deep fry them, if desired. These are delicious!!!

Provided by Danielle Harbold

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Seafood Main Dish Recipes     Clams

Time 2h20m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 razor clams, cleaned and dried
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
1 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup vegetable oil for frying

Steps:

  • Place a sheet of wax paper on a flat baking sheet sized to fit in your freezer; set aside.
  • Beat eggs together in a bowl. Stir together the four, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a second bowl. Mix together the panko and Parmesan cheese in a third bowl. Flour the clams well, shaking off any excess. Dip clams into the eggs, then into the panko mixture, pressing it evenly onto the clams. Place on prepared baking sheet, cover with wax paper; freeze until firm.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry clams until lightly browned, about 1 minute on each side. Do not overcook or they will become tough. Place on paper towels to drain.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 404.9 calories, Carbohydrate 60 g, Cholesterol 158.8 mg, Fat 10 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 25.8 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 373.3 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

FRIED RAZOR CLAMS



Fried Razor Clams image

A simple recipe for fried razor clams, a western Washington treat. Sometimes I fry the bodies, reserving the tougher necks for chowder. Dip in cocktail sauce. The spicier the better for me!

Provided by SALMONSNAGGER

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Seafood

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

½ cup oil for frying, or as needed
1 (4 ounce) packet saltine crackers, finely crushed
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 eggs, beaten
4 large razor clams, cleaned and dried

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • In a bowl, mix crushed crackers with black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place eggs in a separate bowl. Dip clams into eggs, then into cracker mixture to evenly coat.
  • Fry clams in the hot oil until golden brown. Do not over cook.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Cholesterol 96.3 mg, Fat 9.2 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 7.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 405.3 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

Tips:

  • Select Fresh Clams: Choose live clams with tightly closed shells. Avoid any clams with open or cracked shells.
  • Proper Cleaning: Clean the clams thoroughly by scrubbing them under cold water. Remove any sand, grit, or seaweed attached to the shells.
  • Brining the Clams: Soaking the clams in a saltwater solution (brine) for 30 minutes helps remove any remaining grit and enhances their flavor.
  • Use Quality Oil: Opt for high-heat cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can burn.
  • Proper Dredging: To achieve a crispy coating, dredge the clams in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings before frying.
  • Fry in Small Batches: Do not overcrowd the frying pan. Fry the clams in small batches to ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking together.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying results.
  • Drain on Paper Towels: After frying, drain the clams on paper towels to remove excess oil and achieve a crispy texture.
  • Seasoning and Sauces: Sprinkle the fried clams with additional seasonings, such as salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, like tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.

Conclusion:

Deep-fried clams are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. By following these tips and using the provided recipes, you can prepare crispy, flavorful fried clams at home. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to create your unique taste combinations. Remember to handle the clams properly and maintain proper oil temperature for the best results. Enjoy your homemade deep-fried clams and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

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