Description
Crispy, golden clam cakes bursting with tender chopped clams and fresh herbs. A beloved coastal New England appetizer that’s perfect as a savory snack or starter, usually served with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon for added zest.
Ingredients
Clam Cakes Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chopped clams (with a little juice)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
For Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to create the dry base for the clam cake batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in 1/2 cup milk and crack in 1 egg. Stir thoroughly until a smooth batter forms, free of lumps.
- Incorporate Clams and Herbs: Gently fold in 1 cup chopped clams with their juice and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley into the batter for a flavorful, briny taste.
- Heat Oil: In a deep pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for frying but not smoking—about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Clam Cakes: Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, spacing them to avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry each clam cake for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the clam cakes with a slotted spoon and set them on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them crisp.
- Serve Warm: Plate the clam cakes immediately while warm, offering lemon wedges or tartar sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan to ensure even cooking and maintain oil temperature.
- Serve clam cakes with lemon wedges or tartar sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Use fresh oil for frying to keep the clam cakes tasting fresh and crisp.
- Can be made ahead and gently reheated in a skillet to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
