Fish

Surf Clam

B tier

Surf clam (Spisula solidissima and related) is a large Atlantic clam harvested offshore mainly for industrial shucking into strips, mince, and chopped meat rather than live restaurant service. The flavour is clean and clammy, the texture firm—built for frying, chowders, and stuffed clam products at scale. Whole live surf clams are less common on retail ice. Use chopped or strip meat for New England fry shacks, clam strips baskets, and large-batch chowders. Because much supply is processed, quality depends on freeze chain and salt content. Simmer chopped meat gently in chowder bases; high heat for long periods toughens strips. It is the workhorse behind many “clam” menu items.