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    Home / Appetizer / Fried Clams

    Fried Clams

    Whole clams dipped in seasoned batter and fried golden and crisp, a classic New England seafood shack favorite.

    ⏱ 15 minPrep time
    🔥 10 minCook time
    🍽 4Servings
    🏷 AppetizerCategory
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    Whole clams dipped in seasoned batter and fried golden and crisp, a classic New England seafood shack favorite.

    From the shacks of Essex

    The seaside fry-up that made Essex, Massachusetts famous — tender belly clams in a light, craggy crust, best eaten over fries.

    New England recipes →

    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Rinse the clams and pat thoroughly dry.
    2. Whisk the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow dish.
    3. Whisk the buttermilk and egg in another dish.
    4. Heat 2 inches of oil to 365°F.
    5. Dip each clam in the buttermilk, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, shaking off the excess.
    6. Fry in small batches 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with lemon and tartar sauce.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Keep the oil hot and fry in small batches so the clams stay crisp. Serve right away — fried clams don't wait.

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    Recipe details

    Prep15 min
    Cook10 min
    Servings4
    CategoryAppetizer
    PublishedAugust 16, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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