Crispy Coastal Clam Delight

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) fresh clams 1 pound (450g) fresh clams
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the clams thoroughly under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. 2.
   In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. 4.
   Dredge each clam in the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the clams in the hot oil, frying them in batches for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried clams to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Crispy Coastal Clam Delight immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the clams. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Clams — Ensure that the clams are fresh and properly cleaned before cooking. Discard any clams with broken shells or that do not close when tapped. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any sand or grit.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to the flour mixture.
• Serve the Crispy Coastal Clam Delight with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce for dipping.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the breaded clams in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Coastal Clam Delight as an appetizer or main course. Accompany it with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fried clams on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Garnish with lemon wedges and sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.