This Eastern Shore Clam Fritters recipe will take your taste buds on a seaside adventure. Made from fresh, finely chopped clams, these fritters are all about flavor and texture.
The key to this recipe is to use fresh clams, preferably just shucked, and to keep a watchful eye to prevent overcooking.
Easy Clam Fritters Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh clams, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
- Start by chopping your fresh clams into small pieces. The clams are a key component of this Eastern Shore favorite, so make sure they're prepared well.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped clams, finely chopped onion, flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Add this to the clam and flour mixture and stir until well blended.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You'll want enough oil to deep fry the fritters, so don't be shy with it.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the fritter batter into the pan. Fry them until they're golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Be sure to give them enough space in the pan so they don't stick together and become soggy
- Once the fritters are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Drain them on a paper towel before serving
➡️ See more Eastern Shore classic recipes.
FAQ
Different types of clams can be used to make clam fritters, including littleneck clams, cherrystone clams, quahog clams, manila clams, razor clams, and longneck clams. The type you choose can affect the taste and texture of your fritters. For instance, littleneck clams are small and sweet, making them an excellent choice for fritters, while cherrystone clams are larger with a slightly bolder taste.
Frying clam fritters in the oil gives them a crispy exterior, but if you prefer a less oily alternative, you can treat the batter as if it were for pancakes and cook them on a griddle or in a non-stick pan. However, you may not achieve the same level of crispiness compared to deep frying.
Clam fritters, like many fried foods, are not typically considered healthy food due to their high-fat content from frying. However, clams are a good source of protein and certain nutrients. If you want to make your fritters healthier, consider baking them or using a lighter batter and more vegetables.
The secret to avoiding tough or rubbery clam fritters is not to overcook the clams. Whether you’re shucking them by hand or lightly steaming them, be sure not to cook them for too long. Additionally, when frying the fritters, aim for a golden brown color, which indicates that they’re done without being overcooked.
