Crispy, golden, and packed with coastal flavors, these Clam Fritters with Dilly Pesto Dip are a must-try for seafood lovers! Made with tender canned clams and a perfectly seasoned batter, these fritters are fried to crunchy perfection, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack. The real star of the dish, however, is the creamy, herbaceous dilly pesto dip—a zesty blend of fresh dill, basil, Parmesan, garlic, and lemon juice that adds a burst of freshness to every bite. Whether served at your next party or as a savory weekend indulgence, this recipe is a delightful balance of rich, crispy textures and bright, tangy flavors. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these fritters will win over any crowd!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the milk.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the clams and chopped parsley to create the fritter batter. Do not overmix.
In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Using a tablespoon, scoop the batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry 3-4 fritters at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook each fritter for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
To make the dilly pesto dip, combine the dill, basil, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
Serve the warm clam fritters with the dilly pesto dip on the side. Enjoy!
Calories |
6500 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 637.1 g | 817% | |
| Saturated Fat | 92.5 g | 462% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 428 mg | 143% | |
| Sodium | 3473 mg | 151% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 174.7 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.4 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g | ||
| Protein | 68.9 g | 138% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 615 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 46.7 mg | 259% | |
| Potassium | 1063 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.