Fried Soft Shell Clams Food

FRIED IPSWICH CLAMS WITH FRIED LEMONS

Steps:

• Put the lemon slices on a tray and sprinkle both sides with salt and sugar. Transfer the slices to a rack and place in a dry area for 3 hours so the lemons can dehydrate. Rinse well in cold water and pat dry. Set aside.
• Shuck the clams if you have purchased them in the shell. Slide an oyster knife into the unhinged side of each clam, carefully prying open the shells. Slice the knife around the margin of the clam meat, scraping the bottom of the shell to loosen the clam in 1 piece. Discard the shells. Slip off and discard the black sheath surrounding the siphon (the small "neck"). Rinse the shucked clams in running cold water.
• Heat the peanut oil to 350 degrees F in a deep pot. Stir together the flour, salt, and peppers in a mixing bowl. Pour the buttermilk into a second, shallow bowl.
• Fry the lemon slices first: dip each slice into the buttermilk and then into the seasoned flour. Fry the slices in small batches until they just turn golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a tray lined with paper towels. The lemons can be fried 1 hour in advance and kept in a warm oven.
• Remove any of the cooked lemon particles from the oil using a small metal strainer or a long-handled slotted spoon.
• Dip each clam into the buttermilk and then into the seasoned flour. Place them in the hot oil individually (they tend to clump together). Cook in batches until crispy and brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the oil and transfer to a tray lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Arrange the clams on a warm tray with a bowl of Tartar Sauce and the fried lemons.
• Combine the yolk, egg, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, sugar, and salt and pepper, to taste, in the bowl of a food processor. Process for 30 seconds. With the machine running, add a thin, steady stream of oil until the mayonnaise is emulsified (smooth, thick and creamy). Fold in the remaining ingredients, taste, and adjust the seasonings.

BATTERED FRIED CLAMS

Steps:

• In a medium sized bowl mix milk, egg yolk, butter, and salt. Sift the flour into the milk mixture stir until smooth. In a small chilled bowl beat the egg white with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. (For best results: refrigerate the bowl, mixer blade and egg white prior to mixing) Fold the beaten egg white into the milk mixture.
• In a large saucepan or deep fat fryer heat oil to 375'. Poke each clam with fork. Dip clams into the batter. Fry a few at a time around 1-1/2 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Remove with slotted spoon, drain on paper towels or on brown paper bags. Keep warm in a 300' oven while frying the remaining clams.
• Serve with tartar sauce.

FRIED SOFT-SHELL CLAMS

Steps:

• Rinse the clams under cold water and drain. Fill a pot large enough to hold all the clams half full of water and bring to a boil. Add the clams, reduce the flame to low and let the clams sit for 3 or 4 minutes. Drain and place the clams in a bowl of cold water. When cool, open each shell and remove the clam. Use a small knife to cut out any that adhere. Discard the black mantle covering the neck. Soak the clams in a bowl with evaporated milk or buttermilk.
• In a heavy skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 360 degrees. Meanwhile, remove the clams from the milk and drain. Combine the flour, masa harina, baking powder and salt. When the oil is hot, toss the clams in the flour mixture to coat. Shake off any loose flour and immediately put the clams into the oil. Do not let floured clams sit or they will not be crisp when fried. In a minute or two, when the clams are a little darker than cornflakes, remove them, drain on paper towels and serve with tartar sauce.

MAINE FRIED CLAMS

Steps:

• Take three large wide bowls and put flour in one, whip the eggs and milk in the second, and cracker meal in the third.
• Dip clams in the flour, then the egg wash and then the crackers. Deep fry at 375 until golden.

FRIED SOFT SHELL CRABS

Steps:

• Beat egg and milk.
• Add salt.
• Dip crabs thoroughly in egg and milk mixture,.
• then in flour and baking powder which have been mixed.
• Have hot fat about 1/2" deep and cook until golden brown.
• Serve with tartar sauce.