Savory Clam Fritters
Transport yourself to a seaside shack with these delightful Savory Clam Fritters. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fritters are made with tender canned clams, fresh parsley, and a hint of onion, all bound together by eggs and crushed saltine crackers. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, they make an ideal appetizer or a satisfying light meal. Just serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of tartar sauce to enhance their taste. Whether you’re reminiscing about early days or simply looking for a fast seafood dish, these fritters are sure to impress.
2
Servings
225
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped clams
2 (cans (6 1/2 ounces each), well drained)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Saltine crackers
1 (cup, crushed)
Parsley
2 (tablespoons, minced)
Onion
1 (teaspoon, grated)
Butter
4 (tablespoons)
Lemon
1 (sliced, for garnish)
Parsley
to taste (for garnish)
Tartar sauce
to taste (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained chopped clams, beaten eggs, crushed saltine crackers, minced parsley, and grated onion. Mix until well blended.
2
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, spoon the clam mixture into four mounds in the pan, gently flattening each mound with the back of a spoon to form fritters.
3
Cook the fritters for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful when flipping to ensure they hold their shape.
4
Once cooked, use a slotted spatula to transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5
Serve the fritters warm, garnished with lemon slices and parsley, alongside tartar sauce if desired.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
15g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Clam Fritters?
Savory Clam Fritters are a seafood dish made with canned clams, crushed saltine crackers, eggs, and herbs, fried until golden and crispy.
What type of clams should I use for this recipe?
This recipe uses two 6.5-ounce cans of chopped clams that have been well drained.
How long does it take to prepare these clam fritters?
The recipe is categorized as taking less than 15 minutes, making it a very quick meal or appetizer.
What serves as the binder for the fritters?
The binder consists of two beaten eggs and one cup of crushed saltine crackers.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 225 calories per serving in this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 2 servings.
What fat is used for frying the fritters?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of butter to be heated in a large skillet.
What is the recommended garnish for clam fritters?
Serve them warm garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley.
Can I serve these with a sauce?
Yes, tartar sauce is highly recommended for serving to enhance the seafood flavor.
What are the nutritional macros for this dish?
Each serving contains 15g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein.
Do I need to cook the clams before mixing them?
No, you use canned chopped clams that are already processed; you just need to drain them well.
How do I form the fritters in the pan?
Spoon the mixture into four mounds in the skillet and gently flatten them with the back of a spoon.
How long should each side cook?
Cook the fritters for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
What kind of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of grated onion for a hint of flavor.
Should the fritters be drained after cooking?
Yes, transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil or butter.
Are these fritters crispy?
Yes, when cooked properly in butter, they become perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends minced parsley for the mixture and more for garnish.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include seafood, easy recipe, quick meal, appetizer, crispy, comfort food, and budget-friendly.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, using canned clams and saltine crackers makes this an affordable seafood option.
What is the texture of these fritters?
They have a crispy exterior and a tender, savory interior.
Can I use something other than saltines?
While saltines are traditional for this recipe, you could likely substitute with breadcrumbs or panko, though the texture will change.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor is savory and seaside-inspired, highlighting the clams, onion, and buttery finish.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The nutritional data indicates that the fiber content is null or negligible.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 total ingredients including the garnishes and optional sauce.
Do I need any special equipment?
You only need a medium mixing bowl, a large skillet, and a slotted spatula.
Can these be eaten as a main meal?
Yes, they make for a satisfying light meal, especially when served with a side dish.
What should I be careful of when cooking?
Be careful when flipping the fritters to ensure they hold their shape and don't break apart.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
No, the nutritional profile shows zero or null sugar content.
Why use grated onion instead of chopped?
Grated onion distributes the flavor more evenly throughout the batter and ensures no large raw chunks.
Are these fritters spicy?
No, they are savory. You could add hot sauce or pepper if you prefer heat, but the base recipe is mild.