Crispy Fried Clam Strips: New England's Ultimate Seafood Feast

🦪 Crispy Fried Clam Strips: New England’s Ultimate Seafood Feast

Contents

🦪 Crispy Fried Clam Strips: New England’s Ultimate Seafood Feast

Key Info:

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Servings: 4

Difficulty: Medium

Diet: Pescatarian

Equipment Needed:

Deep-fry thermometer
Dutch oven or deep fryer
Mixing bowls
Slotted spoon
Paper towel-lined rack

Ingredients:

Clam Base:

1.5 lbs fresh clam strips
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs

Breading:

1.5 cups cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Frying:

Peanut or vegetable oil

Serving:

Lemon wedges
Tartar sauce

Method:

Rinse clam strips, pat completely dry.
Marinate clams in buttermilk for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Create breading stations:
- Bowl 1: Seasoned flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Cornmeal
Heat oil to 350-375°F.
Dredging sequence:
- Flour
- Egg wash
- Cornmeal coating
Fry in batches, 2-3 minutes per batch until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve immediately with lemon and sauce.

Crucial Tips:

Completely dry clams for best breading
Don’t overcrowd frying pan
Oil temperature is critical
Serve hot for maximum crispiness

Variations:

Air fryer version: 400°F, 15-20 minutes
Gluten-free: Use GF flour/cornmeal
Spicy: Add cayenne to breading

Storage:

Best eaten immediately
Refrigerate leftovers 1-2 days
Reheat in oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes

Common Mistakes:

Soggy clams from overcrowded pan
Inconsistent oil temperature
Not drying clams before breading

Pro Chef Notes:

Freshness is everything. Select high-quality, clean clam strips for the most authentic flavor. Think like a New England clam shack – crisp, golden, and utterly irresistible!