Crispy Buttermilk Fried Clam Strips with Cocktail Sauce – An Addictive Seafood Classic with Zesty Cocktail Sauce

Buttermilk Fried Clam Strips with Cocktail Sauce

This Buttermilk Fried Clam Strips recipe delivers crispy golden seafood packed with flavor and served alongside a bold homemade cocktail sauce. Featured on Fish the Dish, host Spencer Watts combines tender razor clams with a seasoned buttermilk marinade and crunchy coating for the ultimate seafood appetizer or comfort-food dinner.

Perfectly fried until golden and crisp, these clam strips are paired with a tangy cocktail sauce made with horseradish, lemon, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce for an irresistible combination of heat, acidity, and richness. Whether you’re entertaining guests, planning a seafood feast, or craving restaurant-style fried seafood at home, this recipe delivers incredible texture and bold coastal flavor.

The Inspiration

Fried clam strips are a beloved seafood staple in coastal communities, especially throughout North America where fresh shellfish and crispy fried seafood are celebrated traditions. This recipe draws inspiration from classic seafood shack favorites while elevating the flavors with a rich buttermilk marinade and a punchy homemade cocktail sauce.

On Fish the Dish, Spencer Watts is known for taking comfort-food classics and adding fresh, flavor-forward twists that home cooks can easily recreate. The buttermilk soak helps tenderize the razor clams while infusing them with tangy richness before frying.

The crispy coating made from flour and cornstarch creates the ideal crunch, while cayenne, onion powder, and hot sauce add subtle layers of spice throughout the dish. Paired with the vibrant cocktail sauce, these clam strips become a crowd-pleasing seafood recipe perfect for entertaining or casual dining.

Ingredients

Cocktail Sauce

• 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce
• 1/3 cup (80ml) fresh horseradish, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together and mix well.
• Reserve for plating.

Ingredients

Buttermilk Fried Clam Strips

• 1 ½ pounds (675 grams) razor clams, shucked
• Frying oil
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) hot sauce, your choice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (350ml) cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (120ml) flour
• Pinch of onion powder
• Cocktail Sauce

Method

• Rinse clam meat once the clams have been shucked.
• In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, lemon juice and cayenne pepper.
• Whisk together, and add the clam meat.
• Let clams soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
• In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, onion powder, salt and pepper.
• Remove clam strips from marinade, and dredge in the flour mix until nicely coated.
• Heat frying oil to 350^oF (180^oC).
• Cook clam strips in oil for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
• Remove from oil and place on a paper towel to remove excess liquid.
• Serve hot with cocktail sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions

These Buttermilk Fried Clam Strips are perfect for casual entertaining, seafood platters, game-day appetizers, or summer dinners by the water. Their crispy coating and tender interior pair beautifully with bright sauces and fresh sides that complement the richness of the fried seafood.

Serve the clam strips with classic sides like coleslaw, French fries, potato wedges, or grilled corn for a seafood shack-inspired meal. A crisp cucumber salad or fresh green salad also provides refreshing contrast to the crunchy fried coating.

For entertaining, arrange the clam strips on a large platter with lemon wedges, dipping sauces, and fresh herbs for a shareable appetizer that guests will love. The homemade cocktail sauce adds bold flavor and works beautifully alongside tartar sauce or spicy aioli if you’d like additional dipping options.

These clam strips also pair exceptionally well with cold beer, sparkling lemonade, or crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Their salty, crispy texture and tangy sauce create the ultimate balance for warm-weather dining and seafood-focused gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Buttermilk Fried Clam Strips recipe is everything seafood lovers crave: crispy, golden, tender, and packed with bold flavor. From the rich buttermilk marinade to the crunchy seasoned coating and zesty homemade cocktail sauce, every component works together to create a satisfying and unforgettable seafood experience.

Featured on Fish the Dish, Spencer Watts showcases how classic fried seafood recipes can feel elevated and approachable at the same time. The balance of texture, seasoning, and acidity makes these clam strips impossible to resist.

Whether you’re preparing a seafood feast, entertaining friends, or simply craving restaurant-quality fried seafood at home, this recipe delivers comfort, crunch, and coastal flavor in every bite. Once you master this crispy clam strip recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to favorite for seafood nights and special gatherings alike.