Everyone loves to enjoy delicious, crispy, and fresh seafood, and when it comes to fried clams, it's a special and popular dish from New England. National Fried Clam Day is celebrated every year on July 3rd, providing an opportunity to celebrate this scrumptious dish. On this day, seafood lovers across America and around the world enjoy fried clams.
History of National Fried Clam Day
Lawrence 'Chubby' Woodman first made fried clams in 1916. Chubby had already been using oil and weights to fry potato chips, so frying clams was easy for him. This event happened in the first week of July, the day before American Independence Day. He and his wife Bessie started selling it to people from their small stall.
This clam dish quickly became popular, and nearly a hundred years later, in 2015, Woodman’s of Essex officially initiated National Fried Clam Day. Since then, this day has been celebrated in the United States and in many parts of the world.
Fried Clams: The Secret of Taste and Texture
The crunchy, slightly sour, and delicious experience of fried clams sets it apart. Its special features are:
- Fresh Clams: The freshness of clams just taken from the sea.
- Buttermilk Dip: Dipping the clams in buttermilk, which keeps them soft and juicy.
- Special Batter: A mixture of cornflour and flour, seasoned lightly and fried.
- Deep Frying: Frying at the right temperature creates a crispy crust and a soft interior.
How to Celebrate National Fried Clam Day?
1. Taste Fried Clams
The best way to celebrate this day is to eat fried clams! People in New England highly value this tradition. If you live on the Atlantic coast of America, fried clam stands are easily found. Also, popular seafood restaurants like Red Lobster or Joe’s Crab Shack offer special deals on this day.
2. Make Fried Clams at Home
If it is not possible to go out, it is also easy to make fried clams at home. Dip steamer clams in buttermilk, then coat them in a batter of cornflour and flour, and deep fry them. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh coriander.
3. Visit Woodman’s of Essex virtually or in person
If you can go to Massachusetts, definitely visit Woodman’s of Essex — where fried clams were first made in 1916. Their menu includes fried clams, clam chowder, clam cakes, and shellfish.
If travel is not possible, you can order fried clam kits and merchandise online from their website.
Nutrition and Health of Fried Clams
Fried clams are rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12. However, due to being deep-fried, they are high in calories. If you are health-conscious, you can use an air fryer or also have a fresh salad with the clams.
Easy Recipe for Making Fried Clams at Home
Ingredients
- 500 grams steamer clams (cleaned)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornflour
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Oil (peanut or canola) – for frying
- Lemon wedges and coriander for garnish
Method
- Soak the clams in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
- Prepare a batter by mixing cornflour, flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat the oil to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Dip the clams in the batter and fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Garnish with lemon and coriander.
Why are Fried Clams so Special?
Fried clams are not just a dish, but a part of New England's culture and maritime tradition. Clam diving is prevalent in coastal areas, so the popularity of fried clams is special there. This dish brings people together, making them part of happy and delicious moments.
National Fried Clam Day on July 3rd is not just a celebration of a dish, but a celebration of New England's maritime heritage. You can keep this tradition alive by enjoying the crispy taste of fried clams. Whether you make them at home or eat them out, make this day special and experience a connection to culture along with taste.
