Chubby and Bessie’s Fried Clam Recipe

Fried Clams Recipe by Chubby and Bessie Woodman 

Fried Clams Ingredients

26 ounces whole belly clams

12 ounces evaporated milk

4 cups corn flour

Lard (Crisco can be used). Do not use olive oil.

How to Make Fried Clams

In a 4 quart saucepan, melt 2 ¾ lb. lard or vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches in the pan. Heat to 350˚F. Using two bowls, pour evaporated milk into one, and corn flour into the other. In small batches put the clams in a hand-held strainer, and submerge into the bowl of evaporated milk to coat. Remove the strainer from the bowl and shake off the excess milk. Next dredge the clams until they are well covered with corn flour (you may want to use a clean dry hand-held strainer to shake off the excess flour).

Carefully place the clams into hot lard or oil. Be careful, because lard will spatter. Cook in small batches, turning to cook both sides, until they are golden brown. Using a slotted scoop remove from oil. Shake gently to remove excess oil. The clams will take approximately 1 ½ minutes to cook. The color is the most important. They should be a golden brown. Serves 8 (appetizer-sized servings).

Recipe Notes:. Serve with Woodman’s Tartar Sauce (see cookbook for recipe) and/or ketchup!

For more recipes like this fried clam recipe, check out our new cookbook! It includes our history (how chubby and Bessie created the first fried clams) and over 100 different recipes (our delicious tartar sauce.)