Fried Clams
New England Fried Clams are a classic dish that encompasses the history and culture of New England. This crispy and delicious dish has been part of New England’s culinary landscape since the 19th century.
New England Fried Clams are a staple at seafood restaurants and fish markets throughout the region. However, if you want to experience the deliciousness of this dish, you can also prepare it at home with ease.
The recipe for New England Fried Clams is quite simple, but the end result is nothing short of spectacular. The secret to perfecting this dish is to use fresh clams and the perfect coating, which gives it its crispy signature texture.
Freshness is the key to making great fried clams. The best type of clam for this dish is the soft-shell clam, which is found in the coastal waters of the Northeast. Freshness is important because it ensures that the clams will be tender and juicy after they’re cooked.
To begin preparing the New England Fried Clams, you first need to clean and shuck the clams. This process can be painstaking, but it is crucial to ensuring the safety and quality of the dish. Once the clams are shucked, they should be rinsed thoroughly to remove any excess dirt or sand.
The next step is to prepare the coating for the clams. The mixture should include flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper. This mixture should be whisked together, and then the clams should be added to it, and gently stirred to ensure even coating.
The clams should then be fried in hot oil until they turn golden brown. The cooking time for the clams should be quite short - only 2-3 minutes - to ensure that they cook through without becoming tough.
Once the clams have been fried, you can serve them with a range of accompaniments such as fries, tartar sauce, and lemon wedges. The crunchy texture of the clams, paired with the creamy tartar sauce, is a winning combination that will make your taste buds sing.
In conclusion, New England Fried Clams are a delicious and quintessential dish that reflects the history and culture of New England. You can make this dish at home with ease, and it is sure to impress your family and friends. If you want to take your taste buds on a journey and experience a bit of New England, then try this recipe today.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 pounds of fresh shucked clams
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Rinse the clams under cold water and pat them dry on a paper towel.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- In another shallow dish, beat the egg and mix in the milk.
- Dip the clams into the egg mixture and then into the flour mixture, making sure they are completely coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 360°F.
- Carefully add the clams to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown, which should take about 2-4 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the clams from the oil and place them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the fried clams hot with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and French fries, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious New England Fried Clams!