Best 2 Only In Essex Steamer Clam Cakes With Traditional New England Tartar Sauce Recipes

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In the heart of New England's culinary traditions, nestled along the vibrant coastline of Essex, lies a culinary gem that has captivated seafood enthusiasts for generations: the Steamer Clam Cake. This delectable dish, a harmonious blend of fresh, briny clams, tender potatoes, and aromatic spices, embodies the essence of Essex's rich maritime heritage. Served piping hot, these golden-brown cakes are a symphony of flavors and textures, with each bite revealing the perfect balance between the sweet clams, savory potatoes, and the subtle tang of traditional New England tartar sauce. Accompanying this main attraction is a trio of complementary recipes that further elevate the Steamer Clam Cake experience: a zesty Lemon Butter Sauce, a creamy and tangy New England Tartar Sauce, and a refreshing Cucumber Salad with a hint of dill. These recipes, when combined, create a culinary journey that pays homage to the bountiful seafood and the culinary traditions of Essex.

Let's cook with our recipes!

NEW ENGLAND STEAMERS



New England Steamers image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 25m

Yield 3 pounds steamer clams

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Bring 2 1/2 cups water, 1/4 onion, 1 bay leaf, 1 quartered celery stalk and a few peppercorns to a boil in a large pot. Add 3 pounds scrubbed steamer clams; cover and cook until they open, about 10 minutes (discard any that do not open). Drain, then strain the liquid. To eat, remove the clams from their shells and rinse in the liquid. Dip in melted butter and serve with lemon wedges.

RHODE ISLAND CLAM CAKES



Rhode Island Clam Cakes image

This recipe is best made with freshly ground clams, although it would still be good with finely chopped clams. Canned would be OK, and better to make it with canned than not at all, but please, please, please make this at least once with fresh clams. You will not be sorry. Use cake flour if you can get it; it will make a lighter, fluffier cake. All-purpose is fine if you can't find cake flour. Use a "regular" beer, not a fancy one. Think Budweiser. Be sure to keep your oil as close to 350°F as you can. The cakes will come out greasy if your oil gets too cool. Fry in batches to prevent this.

Provided by Hank Shaw

Categories     Appetizer     Snack

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 recipe for remoulade
Canola or other vegetable oil for frying
3 beaten eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup clam broth
1/2 cup cold beer
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1 1/2 cups chopped or ground clams
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3 1/2 cups cake flour, (or all-purpose flour)

Steps:

  • Make the remoulade first and set aside. Heat the oil to 350°F.
  • Mix all the liquid ingredients together except the beer. Mix all the dry ingredients together. When your oil is hot, add the beer to the liquid ingredients and mix gently. Stir in the dry ingredients just until combined.
  • Drop a tablespoon of batter into the hot oil at a time. Do not crowd the pot. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds or so, then dislodge any that are stuck to the bottom with a chopstick or wooden skewer. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain on paper towels and serve while hot with the remoulade, Tabasco or tartar sauce. And beer. Lots of beer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 253 kcal, Carbohydrate 44 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 425 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

Tips:

  • Use fresh clams. Fresh clams are essential for making the best steamer clam cakes. Look for clams that are alive and have tightly closed shells.
  • Clean the clams thoroughly. Before using the clams, be sure to clean them thoroughly. This will remove any grit or sand that may be present.
  • Use a food processor to chop the clams. A food processor is the easiest way to chop the clams. Pulse the clams until they are finely chopped.
  • Add plenty of seasonings to the clam cakes. The clam cakes should be well-seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices. This will help to bring out the flavor of the clams.
  • Fry the clam cakes in hot oil. The clam cakes should be fried in hot oil until they are golden brown. This will help to create a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
  • Serve the clam cakes with tartar sauce. Tartar sauce is the traditional accompaniment to clam cakes. It is a tangy and creamy sauce that helps to complement the flavor of the clams.

Conclusion:

Steamer clam cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish. They are perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. With a few simple tips, you can make steamer clam cakes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

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