Indulge in the irresistible goodness of homemade fried clam strips with this easy recipe. Fresh clams are tenderized, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and fried to perfection, resulting in crispy and flavorful bites that will leave you craving more.
Strain off liquid from clams. Inspect for and remove any pieces of shells
Cut clams in half using kitchen shears or knife
In a shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk and soak the clam strips in it for 10-15 minutes to tenderize them.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet to 375°F
Take the soaked clam strips out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge them in the flour mixture, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
Carefully place the coated clam strips into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried clam strips from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining clam strips.
Serve the freshly fried clam strips hot as an appetizer or main dish, accompanied by tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or your favorite dipping sauces.