Buttermilk Fried Clam Roll with Spicy Pickle Dressing

  • Level: Intermediate
  • Yield: 4 rolls
  • Total: 8 hr 35 min (includes soaking time)
  • Active: 35 min
Advertisement

Ingredients

Clams and Peppers:

8 ounces fresh clam bellies

1/2 cup pickled peppers, such as B and G, sliced

1 cup buttermilk 

Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise, preferably Japanese, such as Kewpie

1/4 cup drained pickles, chopped 

1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice 

1 tablespoon chopped capers 

1 tablespoon finely minced fresh parsley

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Sandwiches:

4 cups shredded romaine lettuce

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 

2 quarts neutral oil, for frying 

1 cup fine cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour 

1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 

1 teaspoon garlic powder 

1 teaspoon Spanish paprika 

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper 

4 hot dog buns or brioche long rolls 

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

Directions

Special equipment:
a deep-frying thermometer
  1. For the clams and peppers: Put the clam bellies and peppers in a bowl, add the buttermilk and let soak, refrigerated, for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  2. For the sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, capers and parsley in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. For the sandwiches: In a bowl, toss the shredded lettuce with the vinegar and set aside.
  4. Heat the oil in a large, deep, straight-sided pot until a deep-frying thermometer registers 360 degrees F. Line a plate with paper towels.
  5. Combine the cornmeal, flour, Parmesan, garlic powder and paprika in a shallow dish. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, scoop the clam bellies and peppers out of the buttermilk, leaving the excess behind. Toss in the flour-cheese mixture to evenly coat.
  7. Fry the clams and peppers in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain on the towel-lined plate and season immediately with salt and pepper.
  8. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Slice the buns in half lengthwise and butter the cut sides. Cook the buns butter-side down until toasted.
  9. Spread the sauce on both sides of the buns and top with lettuce, fried clam bellies and peppers.

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Holli H.

It was absolutely awesome!

See All Reviews