Ocracoke Clam Fritters

Fresh soft-shell clams (“steamers”) are still fried at seafood shacks all over Ocracoke Island on North Carolina’s Outer Banks in much the same manner they were when the Manteo Indians inhabited the region centuries ago. However, since most clams that are iced and shipped to markets around the country tend to be tough and stringy (and often off-flavored), I’ve come to prefer the perfectly acceptable and tender baby ones that are canned. Be warned that the fritters will toughen quickly if fr