Fried Clam Roll
Crispy, juicy whole-belly clams piled high in a buttery, toasted New England-style bun. This iconic seaside sandwich is a taste of summer, ready in under 30 minutes and perfect with a side of tartar sauce.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Dredging Station and Clams
- b.In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- c.Pour the evaporated milk into a second shallow bowl.
- d.Thoroughly drain the rinsed clams and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Heat Oil and Toast Buns
- b.In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour in the vegetable oil to a depth of at least 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C) on a deep-fry thermometer.
- c.While the oil is heating, brush the flat outer sides of the hot dog buns with melted butter.
- d.Toast the buns on a griddle or in a large skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Clams
- b.Working in 2-3 small batches, dip a handful of clams into the evaporated milk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- c.Immediately transfer the milk-coated clams to the flour mixture and toss gently until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- d.Carefully lower the coated clams into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature.
- e.Fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently once or twice, until the clams are golden brown, crispy, and have floated to the surface.
- f.Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon, remove the clams from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Immediately season with a pinch of salt.
- g.Repeat with the remaining clams, ensuring the oil returns to 365°F (185°C) between batches.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Generously pile the hot, crispy fried clams into the toasted buns.
- c.Serve immediately with tartar sauce for dipping and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1A deep-fry thermometer is highly recommended for maintaining the perfect oil temperature of 365°F (185°C).
- 2If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it. It should turn golden brown in about 30-40 seconds.
- 3Patting the clams completely dry is the most important step for ensuring the coating adheres and becomes crispy.
- 4Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping, which results in greasy, soggy clams.
- 5Draining the fried clams on a wire rack instead of paper towels keeps them crispy by allowing air to circulate underneath.
- 6For the most authentic New England experience, use whole-belly clams and top-split buns.
- 7Don't skip toasting the bun in butter; it adds flavor and creates a barrier to prevent sogginess.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Clam Roll
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Clam Strip RollClam Strip Roll
If you prefer a chewier texture without the briny 'pop' of the belly, you can substitute clam strips for whole-belly clams.
Herbaceous CoatingHerbaceous Coating
Mix 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or dill into the flour mixture for an added layer of fresh flavor.
Garlic Butter BunsGarlic Butter Buns
Add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to the melted butter before brushing it on the buns for extra flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Clams are packed with high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and cells in the body.
Rich in Iron
This recipe provides a significant amount of iron, a mineral crucial for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, helping to prevent anemia and boost energy levels.
High in Vitamin B12
Clams are one of the best natural sources of Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis.
Provides Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Clams contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
A typical homemade Fried Clam Roll contains approximately 650-800 calories, depending on the size of the roll, the amount of oil absorbed during frying, and the quantity of tartar sauce used.