FRIED RAZOR CLAMS (OR STEAMERS)

Fried Razor Clams (or Steamers) image

Provided by Gabrielle Hamilton

Time 1h30m

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

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Ingredients

1 cup plus 2 teaspoons salt
20 razor clams or 32 soft-shell clams (steamers)
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cornmeal
2 quarts frying oil
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 cup flour

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve 1 cup of salt in 3 quarts water. Add the clams. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cornmeal over water. Soak for at least 1 hour.
Rinse the clams thoroughly, then shuck and clean them. (For help, go to www.razorclams.com.) Slice the clams into 1-inch pieces. (For steamers, pierce the bellies to prevent them from popping when fried.)
In a deep pan, heat oil to 360 degrees. Strain the reserved clam juice, then combine with the milk and cayenne. Add the clams to this mixture.
In a bowl combine the flour, remaining cornmeal and 2 teaspoons salt. Dredge clams in the flour. Shake off excess flour and deep-fry for about 1 minute. As soon as the sound of the frying quickly lowers, remove the clams to a paper-towel-lined plate. Season with salt. Serve with tartar sauce.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 697, UnsaturatedFat 44 grams, Carbohydrate 40 grams, Fat 52 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 655 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams