Name: Eastern Shore Clam Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup fresh clams, ground; 1 onion, small, chopped; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; vegetable oil for frying; pepper to taste

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The Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia is known for its delicious seafood. One of its most beloved dishes is the Eastern Shore Clam Fritters. These tasty fritters start with freshly shucked clams, finely chopped, and mixed with a savory batter. They are then deep-fried to a golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to a tender and juicy interior. The combination of the salty clams and the flavorful batter creates a unique taste sure to tantalize your taste buds. These clam fritters are the perfect appetizer or side dish to complement a variety of seafood meals. Serve with a side of tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.

Eastern Shore Clam Fritters Recipe

Eastern Shore Clam Fritters are a traditional delicacy. To make, minced clams are blended with flour batter, then fried. They have a crispy exterior and a savory, slightly sweet taste, making them a local favorite.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

1 egg, beaten
1 cup fresh clams, ground
1 onion, small, chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
vegetable oil for frying
pepper to taste

Instructions

Combine eggs, ground clams, onion, flour, salt, pepper, and sugar. Blend well. Fold in baking powder
In a large skillet, heat oil to 300°. Spoon batter into hot oil. Do not overcrowd
Fry until golden brown. Place on cooling rack, or paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil.

Keyword clam fritters, clams

Preparation

The process to make clam fritters is straightforward and quite easy.

To make clam fritters, assemble ingredients which include, clams, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, egg, milk, and oil for frying.

Next, chop the clams into small pieces and mix them with the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Beat the egg and milk together in a separate bowl, then add this mixture to the clam mixture. Stir until well blended. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.

Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on a paper towel before serving

What to serve with clam fritters

Serve Eastern Shore clam fritters with a variety of sides. Some popular options include:

Tartar sauce or cocktail for dipping
A green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast
Coleslaw for a creamy, crunchy side dish
French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic pairing
Lemon wedges add a burst of acidity and brighten up the flavors.
Grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers can be a great addition too.
Chesapeake Street Corn

You could also serve them with a side of rice or a simple pasta dish.

How to store leftovers

To store leftovers, first, let them cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and place them in the refrigerator. They should last for 3-4 days.

To reheat your clam fritters, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Cooking time may vary.

Can I use pancake batter to make clam fritters?

Absolutely. The flour mixture is very similar. The main difference is the fritter batter needs to be thicker than the pancake batter to form a light, crisp covering. Simply add flour if your batter is too thin.

How do you keep fried fritters crispy?

Oil temperature is the key to perfect clam fritters. If the oil is too hot, the outside of the fritter burns before the inside is thoroughly cooked. If it is too low, the fritters absorb the oil and become soggy. I prefer an oil temperature of 300°F for the ideal texture inside and out.