Fried Whole Belly Maine Clams Recipe
Delight in the taste of the ocean with our Fried Whole Belly Maine Clams. These succulent clams are lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, delivering a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, briny sweetness inside. Served with a zesty cocktail sauce and a wedge of lemon, each bite is a burst of flavor that transports you straight to the coast of Maine. Perfect as an appetizer or a standout dish, these clams are a must-try for seafood lovers!
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Ingredients
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Clams
Batter
Frying
Serving
Method
Preparation
Clean the clams
Rinse the whole belly Maine clams under cold water to remove any sand or debris. Set aside.
Make the batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold club soda until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Frying
Heat the oil
In a large, deep pot or fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Coat the clams
Dip the cleaned clams into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
Fry the clams
Carefully drop the coated clams into the hot oil in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serving
Serve
Serve the fried whole belly Maine clams hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side.