Description
Crispy, golden clam cakes, a beloved New England appetizer that combines tender chopped clams with a light, flavorful batter, fried to perfection and perfect for serving with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped clams (with a little juice)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare dry mix: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing well to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Make batter: Add the milk and egg to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until you form a smooth batter without lumps.
- Add clams and herbs: Fold in the chopped clams along with their juice and the chopped parsley to infuse the batter with fresh flavor.
- Heat the oil: In a deep pan or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches frying temperature (around 350°F or when a batter drop sizzles and rises to the surface).
- Fry the clam cakes: Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, spacing them apart to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cook to golden perfection: Fry each side for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until the cakes are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Drain: Remove the clam cakes with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm: Serve the clam cakes hot, accompanied by lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce like tartar sauce.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain consistent oil temperature and crispiness.
- Serve clam cakes with lemon wedges or tartar sauce for added flavor.
- Use fresh or canned chopped clams including some clam juice for best flavor and moisture.
- Maintain oil temperature to avoid greasy clam cakes.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
