In the northeastern United States, particularly along the coastline, New England-style fried clams are a valuable tradition. The soft whole clams used to make these crispy deep-fried treats are coated in seasoned flour and deep-fried to perfection. You won't be able to stay away from these flavorful snacks if you love seafood!

History

Chubby Woodman, who was seeking a method for cooking the leftover clams from his clam shack, received credit for creating fried clams in Massachusetts in 1916. He had the brilliant idea to bread and fry the clams, and both locals and visitors loved them right away. Fried clams are still a popular New England dish and are available at numerous seafood restaurants and clam shacks today.

How To Prepare New England-Style Fried Clams?

Using fresh, whole, cleaned, and shucked clams is the secret to preparing excellent fried clams. After their cleaning, the next step is to coat them in seasoned flour. Next, fry them in the hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown. Other ingredients in some seafood recipes include a coating of cornmeal or spices like paprika or cayenne pepper. Finally, serve the fried clams with a side dish. Usually, the finished dish comes with a side of cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or lemon wedges.

Variations in the Recipe

In spite of the fact that whole clams are used to make traditional fried clams, there are a number of variations that are noteworthy. Fried clam strips, which are produced from the soft meat strips found in the clam's siphon, are generally a favorite choice. These strips are carefully cut, breaded, and deep-fried till golden and crispy. Fried clam cakes are another version; they are simply fritters consisting of clam flesh, cornmeal, and spices. They are the little balls that you fry till they achieve a golden brown color.

Best Beer and Wine Pairings With Fried Clams

A standard of New England cooking, fried clams often go well with beer or wine. Beer's icy, crisp flavor pairs nicely with the salty, crunchy breading of fried clams. However, wine might also be a fantastic option if you're searching for a more premium accompaniment. Let's look at some of the top wines and beers that go well with fried clams.

Beer Pairings

Lager: The most popular beer to combine with fried clams is lager. A mild lager pairs well with the clams' salty and faintly sweet flavor. It's a pleasant combination because the carbonation in the beer assists in cutting through the fat in the fried batter.

IPA: An IPA is a great option if you want a beer with a stronger flavor that can withstand the rich flavor of fried clams. While the carbonation can help you clear your palate in between bites, the hoppy sharpness of an IPA may boost the flavor of the clams.

Wheat Beer: If you're looking for a beer with a mild flavor that won't dominate the flavor of the clams, wheat beer is a great option. It's a pleasant combination because the beer's bright, crisp flavor can cut through the grease in the fried clams.

Wine Pairings

Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a traditional seafood wine match that goes especially well with fried clams. Citrus flavors can cut through the fried batter while its light and crisp flavor can complement the clams' salty brininess.

Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc may be the ideal pairing if you want wine with a stronger flavor. It's an excellent pairing for this seafood meal because of its acidity and floral undertones, which might highlight the flavor of the clams.

Pinot Grigio: A versatile wine, Pinot Grigio pairs well with a range of seafood recipes. Without overpowering the dish, its mild and refreshing flavor might counteract the richness of the fried clams.

Ideal Side Dishes with Fried Clams

The side dishes can enhance the clams' flavors and provide the meal's balance. Here are the top side dishes that go well with fried clams.

House Salad

A fresh house salad could be an ideal refreshment when served with fried clams. The tangy sauce balances out the sweet flavor of the clams, and the green leaves are an excellent source of vitamins.

Hush Puppies

A batter consisting of cornmeal and flour is put together to make hush puppies, a common side dish in the South. Hush puppies' crunch and sweetness go perfectly with fried clams. They are also a wonderful way to spice up the menu a bit.

Grilled Vegetable

Among the grilled vegetables, onions, peppers, zucchini, and others are rich in vitamins and fiber. The smoky flavor of the veggies perfectly balances the sweetness of the fried clams.

Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant

When it comes to seafood enthusiasts, Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant is a popular name. This restaurant offers a variety of seafood meals that are not only mouthwatering but also attractive to look at. The fried clams are one of the most popular meals at this restaurant.

Try the fried clams at Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant if you're seeking a mouthwatering seafood dish that will satisfy your palate. Fried clams are one of the restaurant's signature seafood dishes that are of the highest caliber.

The clams themselves are, of course, the main component of fried clams. Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant uses fresh clams supplied by top suppliers. To ensure that the clams are of the best quality, they carefully pick and clean the clams.

This meal makes a great appetizer or entrée whether you like seafood or not because it is crispy, tasty, and filling. Take advantage of the greatest fried clams in town by visiting Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant! Or if you search seafood near me or seafood restaurant near me so Red Crab would show up on the top. This way you can order food online too.

Conclusion

Seafood fans won't want to miss out on the delectable and classic New England-style fried clams recipe. There are numerous variations of these crispy bites of bliss that are present at seafood shacks and eateries all around the region.