The mouthwatering taste of perfectly fried clams is a seafood lover's dream come true. Crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside, fried clams are a classic favorite that never fails to impress. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just looking for a delicious weeknight meal, a plate of fried clams is sure to satisfy you.
But not all fried clams are created equal. The quality of the clams and the technique used to prepare them can make all the difference in the final product. That's why it's essential to use the freshest, highest-quality clams possible when making fried clams.
At Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant, we understand the importance of freshness and source our clams from local fishermen to ensure that our customers are getting the best possible product. With our clams, you can be sure that your fried clams will be bursting with flavor and have a perfectly crispy crust.
In this blog post, we will share the best-fried clams recipe that will make your seafood dinner party a hit. We'll take you through the steps of preparing and frying the clams, and offer tips for achieving the perfect crust. And, to make your meal even more delicious, we'll recommend the perfect pairing and sides to go with it.
So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your guests with the best-fried clams they've ever had, courtesy of Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant.
The Importance of Freshness in Fried Clams
The importance of freshness when it comes to seafood, clams, or crabs cannot be overstated. Fresh clams have a crisp texture and a sweet, briny flavor that is impossible to replicate with frozen or previously frozen clams. When clams are not fresh, they can become rubbery and lose their characteristic taste, resulting in a less-than-desirable dish.
At Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant, we understand the importance of freshness and source only the freshest clams from local fishermen. Our clams are never frozen and are brought in daily to ensure that you are getting the best possible product. We take great pride in the quality of our clams, and it shows in the taste and texture of our fried clam strips.
Properly preparing and cleaning the clams before frying is also crucial to ensure the best possible outcome. We recommend that you rinse the clams thoroughly under cold running water, discarding any that are open or cracked. Then, soak them in a bowl of cold water with a little cornmeal or flour for about 20 minutes to purge them of any sand or debris. This step is important to avoid a gritty texture in the final dish.
The Recipe
The key to making the best-fried clams is to use the freshest and highest-quality clams possible, and that's exactly what you'll get when you purchase them from a trusted source. Once you have the perfect clams, the rest is easy. Here's our step-by-step recipe for making the most delicious fried clams you've ever tasted:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 pound fresh clams, shucked and cleaned
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg and then mix in the buttermilk.
- Place the cornmeal in a shallow dish.
- Dip each clam in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip them in the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat them in the cornmeal.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1 inch deep.
- Carefully place the clams in the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the clams from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with homemade tartar sauce.
Tips for achieving the perfect crust
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the clams. If the oil is not hot enough, the clams will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Fry the clams in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and to ensure that they cook evenly.
Keep a close eye on the clams while they fry, as they can burn quickly.
By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create a plate of crispy, golden-brown fried clams that are sure to impress your guests. And when you pair them with Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant's homemade tartar sauce, you'll have a seafood dinner party that no one will forget.
The Perfect Pairing
When it comes to pairing wine or beer with fried clams, it's essential to consider the flavors of both the clams and the dipping sauce. The best pairing options are those that can stand up to the rich, buttery flavors of fried clams and balance out the tangy, creamy tartar sauce.
For wine, a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works well. The acidity and minerality of these wines provide a nice contrast to the rich, buttery flavors of the fried clams. A dry, effervescent sparkling wine, such as a Brut Champagne, can also pair well as the bubbles can help cut through the richness of the dish.
When it comes to beer, a crisp, light beer such as a Pilsner or a Lager can pair well with fried clams. The clean, refreshing flavors of these beers complement the rich flavors of the clams, while the carbonation helps to cleanse the palate.
When it comes to side dishes, coleslaw is a classic pairing for fried clams. The creamy, tangy dressing provides a nice contrast to the rich, buttery clams. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the dish, as the fresh greens provide a refreshing contrast to the fried clams. A side of fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings also can make a great addition to the meal.
Order Now
Now that you have all the information you need to create the best-fried clams recipe, it's time to put it into action! If you're planning a seafood dinner party, consider visiting Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant to enjoy the best-tasting fried clams.
At Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant, we offer a variety of options for enjoying your meal. You can make a reservation and dine in with us to enjoy the best seafood in town and take advantage of our excellent customer service. If you're short on time, you can also order takeout or delivery and enjoy the best fried clams in the comfort of your own home.
We are committed to providing the best seafood dining experience to our customers, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy our delicious food.
To make a reservation or place a takeout or delivery order, please visit our website or give us a call. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you.
Don't wait any longer, make a reservation or place an order today and taste the difference that freshness makes in the best-fried clams recipe. Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant is waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
The best clams to use for fried clams are hard-shell clams, also known as quahogs. These clams have a thicker and more substantial shell than soft-shell clams, which makes them ideal for frying. They also have a sweeter and brinier flavor, which makes them perfect for this dish.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we've shared the best-fried clams recipe that will make your seafood dinner party a hit. We've emphasized the importance of using the freshest, highest-quality clams, and provided step-by-step instructions for preparing and frying the clams, as well as tips for achieving the perfect crust. We've also recommended the perfect pairing and sides to go with it.
By using the freshest clams and following our recipe, you'll be able to create a plate of crispy, golden-brown fried clams that are sure to impress your guests. The recipe is best served with homemade tartar sauce, which will complement the dish perfectly.
We've also suggested wine or beer pairing and sides that complement the dish, so you can make the most out of your seafood dinner party.
At Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant, we are committed to using high-quality ingredients and providing excellent customer service. We understand the importance of freshness when it comes to seafood and make it our mission to source only the freshest and highest-quality seafood for our customers.
