"Jersey Devil" Clams
Jersey Devil Clams offer a savory blend of ground clams, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, baked to perfection—ideal for seafood lovers seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer ground clams in clam juice for 5 minutes.
- Cook chopped onion, ground green pepper, chopped celery, and celery leaves in a little butter until tender.
- Combine the cooked vegetables with thyme, pepper, mustard, and bread crumbs.
- Mix well with the simmered clams.
- Grease clam shells, fill with the mixture, and sprinkle lightly with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture. If you don't have clam juice, fish stock can be a good substitute. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor, so try using fresh thyme instead of dried. Make sure not to overcook the clams during simmering to prevent a rubbery texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Jersey Devil Clams as an appetizer at your next gathering, paired with a crisp white wine or a light beer. They complement well with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Tuna Cheese Melts or a simple seafood pasta dish for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the clams in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the clams tough and chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Jersey Devil" Clams contains roughly 101 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh clams instead of ground clams?
Yes, you can use fresh clams! Just steam them until they open, then remove the meat and chop it finely. Be sure to reserve some of the cooking liquid to use in place of clam juice for added flavor.
Is it possible to make these clams ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling and stuff the clam shells a day in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake them at 350°F until heated through, about 30 minutes.
What can I substitute for bread crumbs?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour can work well in place of traditional bread crumbs. They will still provide a nice texture and help bind the filling together.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).