Clam Strips from White Castle feature tender, breaded clam pieces fried to a golden crisp, delivering a savory seafood flavor with a crunchy texture perfect for dipping.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Food thermometer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets or trays
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels or draining rack
- Serving trays or baskets
- Heat lamp or warming station
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) clam strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
When preparing clam strips, be sure to use fresh or properly thawed clam strips for the best texture and flavor. The combination of all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and breadcrumbs creates a crispy, golden coating that enhances the seafood taste. Soaking the clam strips in a buttermilk and egg mixture helps tenderize the seafood while ensuring the breading adheres well. Use vegetable oil heated to the right temperature, around 350degF (175degC), to achieve a perfect fry without sogginess or excessive oil absorption. You can easily recreate the iconic Clam Strips from White Castle with this copycat menu recipe, delivering that familiar crispy, savory flavor right at home.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat the deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets or trays with paper towels or set up a draining rack.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another mixing bowl, beat eggs and mix in buttermilk.
- Pat clam strips dry with paper towels.
- Dredge clam strips in the flour mixture.
- Dip dredged clam strips into the egg-buttermilk mixture.
- Coat clam strips again in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange the breaded clam strips on a baking sheet or tray.
- Working in batches, place the clam strips in the fry basket.
- Lower the basket into the hot oil and fry clam strips for 1–2 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove clam strips from the oil.
- Transfer fried clam strips to the prepared baking sheet or draining rack to remove excess oil.
- Repeat with remaining clam strips.
- Check internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure at least 145°F (63°C).
- Arrange fried clam strips on serving trays or baskets.
- Place under a heat lamp or warming station if necessary until serving.
Substitution
Clam Strips from White Castle copycat menu offer a crispy, golden-brown seafood option that pairs well with various dipping sauces. You can substitute clam strips with calamari rings or shrimp if fresh clams are unavailable, maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile. When preparing, ensure the oil temperature stays around 350degF (175degC) to achieve optimal crispiness without overcooking. Use tongs and a slotted spoon to carefully remove clam strips from the hot oil, allowing excess oil to drip off on paper towels or a draining rack. Keep the fried clam strips warm under a heat lamp until serving to maintain their crunch and flavor.
Tips
Make sure to pat the clam strips dry before coating to ensure the breading sticks properly, preventing sogginess during frying. Use a food thermometer to confirm the clam strips reach an internal temperature of 145degF (63degC) for safe consumption. Avoid overcrowding the fryer basket; frying in small batches maintains oil temperature and results in evenly crispy strips. You can keep the fried clam strips warm and crisp by placing them on a draining rack under a heat lamp or warming station until ready to serve.
Nutritions
Clam Strips from White Castle offer a good source of protein and essential minerals like zinc and iron, derived from the tender clam meat. Their breading, made from all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and breadcrumbs, contributes carbohydrates and dietary fiber, while the deep-frying process increases their fat content primarily through vegetable oil. Spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add flavor without significantly impacting nutritional value. When preparing your clam strips, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145degF (63degC) guarantees both safety and optimal taste.
Storage
Store clam strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Reheat using a deep fryer or oven at 350degF (175degC) until crispy, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145degF (63degC) for safe consumption. Avoid storing clam strips at room temperature to prevent spoilage and maintain optimal texture for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try substituting panko breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs to achieve an extra crispy texture. You can also experiment with adding Old Bay seasoning or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicier kick. If you prefer a healthier option, consider baking the breaded clam strips on a lightly greased baking sheet at 425degF (220degC) for 10-12 minutes instead of deep frying. To keep Your clam strips warm without drying out, cover them loosely with foil under the heat lamp or warming station.
Allergies
Clam Strips from White Castle contain shellfish, a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The breading ingredients include wheat-based all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs, which contain gluten, another potential allergen. You should avoid this food if you have allergies to shellfish, gluten, eggs, or dairy, as buttermilk and eggs are also present in the recipe.
Why this recipe?
Clam Strips from White Castle are celebrated for their crispy golden breading paired with tender, juicy clam meat, delivering a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The unique seafood offering stands out amidst classic fast-food items, appealing to both seafood lovers and adventurous eaters. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize the seasoning and freshness to match your personal taste preferences. Your homemade Clam Strips can replicate White Castle's iconic crunch while ensuring quality ingredients and seasoning tailored to your liking.