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Fried Clams Recipe

Fried Clams Recipe

Making fried clams at home is super easy and so tasty, even if you don't have a deep fryer! We coat them in a seasoned cracker crumb mix with herbs and a hint of chipotle chili for a little kick. They're perfect with a squeeze of lemon for a burst of flavor and some cocktail sauce for dipping. You can enjoy them with potato salad, potato wedges, or french fries. And hey, why not make a whole platter of fried seafood with scallops, oysters, and fish for the whole family to enjoy? Don't forget to grab a glass of beer or wine to go with it—pure perfection!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 295 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Shucked clams you can use cherrystones, littlenecks, Western littlenecks, or Manila clams
  • 1 cup Corn flour like the one you use for fish fry
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup Buttermilk or evaporated milk
  • Oil for frying I prefer peanut oil, but you can use whatever you like

Instructions
 

  • First, check your clams to make sure there aren't any shell bits or grit.
  • Mix all the dry ingredients (corn flour, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper) together in a bowl.
  • Dip the clams in buttermilk to coat them.
  • Preheat your oven to 200°F and place a rack over a baking sheet inside to keep the cooked clams warm.
  • Heat up enough oil in a pot or fryer to cover the clams. You want the oil to be around 360°F.
  • When the oil is almost ready, coat a few clams in the breading mixture. Don't overcrowd the fryer—just do as many clams as will comfortably fit in one batch.
  • Fry the clams until they're golden brown, which should take about 90 seconds to 2 minutes.
  • Once they're done, transfer the fried clams to the rack in the oven to keep them warm while you fry the rest.
  • Remember to let the oil heat back up to the right temperature between batches.
  • Serve your crispy fried clams with your favorite dipping sauce—think homemade tartar sauce, malt vinegar, remoulade, ketchup, or hot sauce.

Notes

  • Squeeze some lemon wedges over your fried clams for a burst of citrusy flavor.
  • Serve them alongside some classic potato salad or other fried goodies like onion rings or hush puppies.
  • Consider pairing your fried clams with a lobster roll for a delicious seafood feast.