Spicy Sourdough Clam Fritters
Experience the coastal charm with these Spicy Sourdough Clam Fritters, a delightful fusion of traditional hush puppies and savory clam cakes. Made from stale sourdough bread and infused with fresh herbs, spices, and tender clams, these fritters are perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they are a crowd-pleaser and a tasty tribute to seafood lovers. Serve them hot with a zesty dipping sauce for an unforgettable appetizer or snack.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sourdough breadcrumbs
2 cups (made from stale sourdough loaf, unseasoned (about 1/2 loaf))
Jalapeño
1/2 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (whole)
Shallot
1 (diced)
Dried garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons
Parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Oregano
1 tablespoon (dried)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon
Paprika
1 teaspoon
Cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon
Cornbread mix
1 cup ((e.g. Marie Callender's))
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Clam juice
3/4 cup
Milk
1 cup (divided)
Clams
2 cups (chopped, drained)
Panko breadcrumbs
2 cups
Cooking oil
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the sourdough bread, jalapeño, garlic cloves, and diced shallot. Pulse until the mixture turns into fine breadcrumbs.
2
Transfer the breadcrumb mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add dried garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, chili powder, paprika, and cracked black pepper. Stir well to combine.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornbread mix, eggs, clam juice, and 1/2 cup of milk to create a smooth batter. Gradually add this to the breadcrumb mixture and mix until just combined.
4
Fold in the chopped clams gently, followed by enough panko breadcrumbs to achieve a thick, dough-like consistency. If the mixture feels too wet, add more panko or a splash of the reserved milk.
5
In a deep skillet, heat cooking oil to 375°F (190°C). Carefully spoon tablespoon-sized portions of dough into the hot oil, flattening them slightly as you go.
6
Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
7
Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Sourdough Clam Fritters?
They are a savory fusion of traditional hush puppies and clam cakes, made with sourdough breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, spices, and chopped clams.
How do I prepare the sourdough bread for this recipe?
Pulse about half a loaf of stale sourdough bread in a food processor with jalape!o, garlic, and shallots until it forms fine breadcrumbs.
Can I use fresh sourdough bread instead of stale?
Stale bread is preferred as it creates better breadcrumbs, but you can lightly toast fresh bread to remove moisture before pulsing.
How spicy are these clam fritters?
They have a moderate kick coming from the half jalape!o, chili powder, and paprika, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
What type of clams should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped, drained clams. You can use canned clams or fresh clams that have been steamed and chopped.
Why is clam juice used in the batter?
Clam juice is used to thin the batter while providing an extra layer of savory seafood flavor.
What kind of cornbread mix is recommended?
The recipe suggests a standard cornbread mix like Marie Callender's to help create the base of the batter.
How many eggs are needed for the recipe?
Two beaten eggs are required to act as a binder for the fritter dough.
What temperature should the cooking oil be?
The oil should be heated to 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying and a crispy exterior.
How long do I need to fry the fritters?
Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
What should I do if the batter is too wet?
If the mixture is too wet to form a dough-like consistency, gradually add more panko breadcrumbs.
What should I do if the batter is too dry?
If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of the reserved milk to reach the desired consistency.
What herbs are used in the Spicy Sourdough Clam Fritters?
The recipe uses chopped fresh parsley and basil, along with dried oregano.
Can I substitute the shallot?
Yes, you can substitute shallot with finely diced yellow onion or green onions if needed.
How do I shape the fritters?
Spoon tablespoon-sized portions of the dough into the hot oil and flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon.
What is the purpose of panko breadcrumbs in this recipe?
Panko is added at the end to help achieve a thick, dough-like consistency and to add extra crunch to the exterior.
What spices are included for seasoning?
Dried garlic, chili powder, paprika, and cracked black pepper provide the primary seasonings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients in total, including seafood, bread, dairy, and various seasonings.
Are these fritters considered an appetizer or a main course?
They are primarily served as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food, but can be part of a main meal.
Should I drain the clams before adding them?
Yes, the clams should be chopped and thoroughly drained before being folded into the batter.
What is the best way to serve these?
Serve them hot immediately after frying with a zesty dipping sauce of your choice.
Can I use a food processor for the entire mixing process?
The food processor is only used for the breadcrumbs and aromatics; the rest should be mixed by hand to keep the texture of the clams intact.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Use a cooking oil with a high smoke point suitable for deep frying, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Is the milk added all at once?
No, the milk is divided. Use 1/2 cup for the initial batter and keep the rest to adjust consistency if needed.
What is the texture of these fritters?
They are crispy and golden on the outside while remaining soft and savory on the inside.
Are these fritters gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains sourdough bread, cornbread mix, and panko breadcrumbs, all of which typically contain gluten.
Can I omit the jalape!o?
Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the jalape!o or replace it with a milder pepper like bell pepper.
How do I prevent the fritters from being oily?
Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (375°F) before frying and drain the finished fritters on paper towels.
Can I add other seafood?
While these are clam fritters, you could potentially substitute or add small pieces of shrimp or crab meat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count depends on the size of the fritters, the recipe uses 2 cups of clams and 4 cups of breadcrumbs, making it suitable for a large group.